As a child he was always very inquisitive and taking things apart and putting them back together. This trait proved to be very important to his success in life. Ted entered the military in 1950 and worked in several different areas from vehicle maintenance to radar maintenance. One very exciting part of his career was when he was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, MS as the Assistant Bombing Navigation Shop Chief. During his time at this base, he participated in the Strategic Air Command Bombing Competition and received the Air Force Commendation Medal. The team won the Bombing Competition against other teams including teams from Britain, France, and other countries. This was a tremendous achievement for Ted as well as for the United States Air Force. Ted was then able to select his next area of work and chose to work on a Black Operations project known as SR71, a spy plane which is still the fastest and highest flying aircraft ever and has the ability to radar the ground below it to supply much needed data to the Air Force.
After he retired from the Air Force in 1971, his goal was to return to Monticello and open a gun shop and quick stop. Upon returning to Monticello, he first remodeled his house and then began T&L Quick Stop. He loved guns and became well known as being a great gunsmith. His knowledge of guns and ammunition was amazing. He loved to deer hunt and help others by fixing broken items brought to him. He could build and fix just about anything. He was a member of the local Retired Military Group.
Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucille Burton; his parents; and his brother, Doyle Burton. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Gail Ann Burton of Searcy and Dale Burton and wife Sandra Gail of Melbourne, FL; one brother, Billy Burton; his three grandchildren, Christina Burton Withers and husband Jed of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Brianna Burton Rizer and husband Cale of Saint Cloud, FL and Jeremiah Burton of California; his three great grandchildren, Noah, Addison and Vivian Withers of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and one brother, Billy Burton of Warren.
Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2020, at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, AR. Covid-19 guidelines will be followed. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital or the Oakland Cemetery Association. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(15)
Tom and Connie Causey Ollie
, IL Tuesday, November 24, 2020 To the Burton Family: So sorry to hear about Mr Ted. We sure did love Mr Ted and Ms Lucy. They were such delightful people. Love to you and your families. Please know we loved them very much. May they rest in heaven above. 🙏Carolyn Cook
Monticello, AR Monday, November 23, 2020 I'm so sorry I was not able to attend his funeral. Always looked for him at the retirement meetings. My husband was a very close friend.Bob and Donna Hoag
Wallkill, NY Saturday, November 21, 2020 Uncle Ted was an amazing man and could do just about anything he put his mind to. He could figure out any problem and fix it without hesitation. He was always so very proud of his children and grand children, he was a true family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at such a difficult time, we are sorry that we couldn't make the service but will be thinking of you all. I did finally break down and told my Mother about Uncle Teds passing, it made her very sad but also felt that he was now with her sister. God bless you allSharon Reynolds
Griffithville, AR Friday, November 20, 2020 Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom and Dad were so sweet. Your family is in my prayersSharon Reynolds
Tom Bostian
Drumright, OK Tuesday, November 17, 2020 Ted was a good friend & a great guy. I stopped in looking for a good gunsmith one day & made a good friend. I was sorry to hear of your loss. I will always cherish his memories.Mark@mary withers
Little rock, AR Tuesday, November 17, 2020 We are sorry for your lossJESSIE W PERRY
Ritzville, WA Tuesday, November 17, 2020 I think I was stationed in Maine at the same time as TED..my family lived on Oakland near Obie and Eloise. Was Ted also called boots. .My name is Jesse Perry.Elaine Connard
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 17, 2020 My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Ted was a sweetheart and I really enjoyed my “lunch dates” with him until he moved.Mickey Findley
Monticello, AR Monday, November 16, 2020 Dear Dale and Gail Ann, I thought the world of your Dad. I could not want a better friend in life! He meant a lot to me! He will be sorely missed and please know that I am thinking of you. The whole family will be in my prayers.God bless the family.Judy Howard
Monticello, AR Monday, November 16, 2020 Gail Ann, You and your family are in James and my prayers. Ted will be Dearly missed by us we loved visiting with him listening to his years in the Air Force and talking about dear hunting and him telling us about his two children and Grandkids.Prayers.
Love Judy and James Howard
Alan potts
Monticello, AR Monday, November 16, 2020 He will be missed. I use to love to see him and my mom visiting in the living room always g good time .James Glennon
Little Rock, AR Monday, November 16, 2020 So very sorry for your loss. Peace and comfort for the family.Barbara Newton
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 15, 2020 So very sorry about Mr Ted. Have known him and was honored to be his accountant for many years. Loved him and Mrs Lucille. Praying for you all.Pete and Lavera Burton
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 14, 2020 We were so sorry to read about Ted. He was such a sweet man and a great since of humor.He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May he rest in peace.Kim Ray
Monticello, AR Friday, November 13, 2020 Gail, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.