Melvin Burton

Melvin Poulter Burton 1922-2011

Melvin Poulter Burton, or Mel as he was known to many passed away Monday, June 6, 2011. He was born October 24, 1922 in Afton, Wyoming; the son of George F. Burton and Mary Frances Poulter. Mel enjoyed many of the things young boys did for fun. He loved going fishing, hunting, and enjoying the beauty of the mountains around him. Animals played a big part in his life and he was always gentle and kind with them. He served in the military during WWII in what was then known as the Army Air Force. He was stationed in Italy much of the time and often spoke of it. Mel graduated from BYU and eventually went on to earn his Masters Degree; English and Music were his chosen subjects. He taught high school English and Chorus in Lehi, Utah, for a number of years. Dorothy ONeil became the eternal love of his life on December 30, 1964. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Mel and Dorothy lived in a few places before moving to Bountiful where Mel became a teacher at Bountiful High School. Hundreds of people remember his musical productions which included South Pacific and Oklahoma; his students often thanked him with flowers at the end of the productions which he so aptly directed. Just before his retirement, he became certified as a counselor at the high school and served the students well, giving advice and encouragement. Mel had the distinct honor and privilege of singing for many years with the Salt Lake Oratorio Society and the Utah Symphony Chorale. He sang in many parts of the world including the DOME OF THE ROCK in Jerusalem where he remembers actually performing with armed guards present for protection. Mel and Dorothy served an honorable full-time senior mission in the Boston, Massachusetts Mission during the late 1980’s. He reported how he loved traveling to the famous historical sites there such as the Mayflower Landing, the Old North Church, and Independence Hall. He was a permanent figure in the music of his ward. Whether leading the choir, leading the congregation, or performing a vocal solo, his music was loved and appreciated by many. He always wanted to perform a musical selection that was not trite and would be uplifting and even educational. He was ever the music teacher! He served faithfully as an ordinance worker in the Bountiful Temple for as long as he could. Mel and Dorothy LOVED TO TRAVEL! They traveled all over the world, but Yellowstone Park was always their favorite destination. Mel is preceded in death by Dorothy whom he missed every moment of every day since her passing in 2008. Also included are parents, brothers: Alva and Claude. He is survived by his three sisters: Mary Nield, Marge Evans, and Fern Baldwin. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Bountiful 54th Ward, 540 North 1200 East. Friends may call from 6-8 pm, Friday evening at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main, and from 11:00-11:45 am, Saturday, at the church prior to services. Interment – Kaysville City Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com.