Eugene Paul Burton
Eugene Paul Burton, 93, of McKinney, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021.
He was born April 12, 1928, in Tichnor, Arkansas, the son of Rodner Pascal Burton and Mae Almond Burton.
Eugene was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a math professor for many years, and was a member of the Heritage Church in McKinney, Texas.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Margie Freeman Burton; daughters, Vikki (Ed) Duddy and Paula Janway; four of the greatest grandchildren, Ryan (Laura) Janway, Trey Janway, Stephanie (Adam) Jaspers, and Deborah Duddy; and his favorite great-grandsons, Arthur and Logan; three beloved brothers, Winfred (Sue) Burton, Franklin (Linda) Burton and Charles Burton; plus a wonderful set of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Rodner Burton; sisters, Inez Burton Stuckey and Melba Burton Siratt; brothers, R.B. Burton, Harold Burton and J.W. Burton.
Eugene proudly served in the U.S. Army during the “Forgotten War.” In Korea, he served in the combat engineers, IX Corps Artillery, in what is present day North Korea.
In later years, Eugene served as Post Commander of VFW 3615 in Ruston. For 36 Years, Eugene was a Mathematics Professor at Louisiana Tech University. He also served as the Department Chair and taught at Barksdale Air Force Base. Prior to teaching at Louisiana Tech, he also taught high school mathematics in Sheridan and Hamburg.
While teaching math at Sheridan High School, Eugene met his wife, Margie.
He was awarded a Faculty Fellowship to NASA on the Wernher Von Braun team helping to successfully determine the amount of thrust needed for the Saturn V rocket engine to take man to the moon.
Additionally, he also worked with the Vicksburg District Army Corps of Engineers to study the Mississippi River floods of 1973 and 1974.
While living in Ruston, Eugene served as Deacon and Trustee of First Assembly of God. Eugene loved working outside in his yard, gardening and building new fence gates for his daughters.
He also loved sports, especially playing basketball, softball and golf. Eugene enjoyed cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. He loved to travel and see new places but mostly he enjoyed traveling to see his grandchildren as they were growing up.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 30 at noon at Regency Funeral Home with Reverend Lynn McLaughlin and Reverend Ricky Bonnett officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Ouachita Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joe Edward Freeman, Melvin Freeman, Jace Munds, Larry Burton, Jim Stuckey and Stephen Burton.
The Burton family would like to express our love and appreciation to a very special niece, Jeanette Munds.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Eugene Burton can be made to: Ouachita Cemetery Association, c/o Debbie Kyzer, 558 Dingler Road, Donaldson, AR 71941.
Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.
