John Burton

John Burton, 63, of Churchville, MD, passed away on March 15, 2010 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. John was born July 14, 1946 in Macomb, IL, to the late Lloyd and Darlyne Wilson Burton. He was raised in Illinois and graduated from Colchester High School. He was a member of First Christian Church in Colchester.

From 1964-1967, John served in the U. S. Army. While stationed in Germany, he trained as a paratrooper in the Special Forces/Green Berets Unit. John was employed by the U. S. Postal Service in Illinois and at APG after moving to Maryland. While at APG, he was a warehouse worker and also served as an auctioneer for government auctions. In 1986, John earned his A. A. Degree in Computer Programming from Harford Community College. After leaving government service, John discovered his true talent in buying and selling various antiques and collectibles. He loved the bargains that he could buy at auctions, yard sales, and estate sales that turned into profitable income by selling at the flea market, on eBay, or out of the barn. His most prized "find" was an item that would make the grandchildren laugh; their "Bubba" was a kid at heart.

John was the ultimate entertainer who loved practical jokes and pranks. He loved his family, especially the younger children. His stories, writings and comedic antics leave his many friends and family still laughing. John was an avid reader. He also loved hunting, camping, growing tomatoes for homemade tomato juice, the Baltimore Orioles, Maryland Terps basketball (Fear the Turtle!), sitting on the back porch, Ocean City, and simply being outdoors.

John is survived by his wife, Roxanne Dayhoof Burton of Churchville, MD; children, Julia Buzard (John), Walter Rice III (Deanna), and Melanie Garth (Peter); "Bubba's" grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, and Sarah Buzard; Robert and Zachary Rice; Annabelle and Baby Girl Garth due in April; siblings, Frances Welch, Mary Garlick (Jim), and Homer Burton (Beverly); brothers-in-law, J. Bernard Dayhoof, Jr. (Joanne), Larry Dayhoof (Marlee); sister-in-law, Betty Findley (Walter); and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at McComas Funeral Home, P.A., Abingdon, MD on Friday, March 19, 2010 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home in Abingdon on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joseph F. Condro and Rev. David K. Garth officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Becky Kropkowski Children's Trust, checks payable to Katz Abosch, c/o Belinda Kopp, 109 N. Main Street, Suite C, Bel Air, MD 21014 or the Colchester District Library, P.O. Box 237, Colchester, IL 62326.