Donald "Don" E Burton

Donald E. “Don” Burton passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on April 17, 2026, in Washington, Utah. Born August 10, 1940, in Parowan, Utah, to Claude and Alberta (Worthen) Burton, he was the youngest of four children and faced the loss of his father at age 16 yet was known throughout his life for his cheerful disposition and twinkle in his eye. Don excelled in academics and athletics at Parowan High School and was particularly talented at basketball, an opportunity that helped open the door to college and a degree in mechanical engineering from Utah State University. He married his high school sweetheart and cheerleader, Laura Lamoreaux, on September 18, 1959, in the St. George Temple, and together they welcomed four children: Michael, Mechele, Scott, and Kelly. A devoted husband and caring father, Don lovingly supported and protected Laura and spent countless hours coaching and cheering on his children in youth sports, creating treasured lifelong memories. The family eventually settled in Layton, Utah, where Don began a distinguished career at Hill Air Force Base with the Department of Defense as a leader in military aircraft ejection seat systems. He later brought his engineering and leadership talents to NASA as the NASA Resident Manager at Thiokol, contributing to the redesign, manufacturing, and quality of the space shuttle solid rocket boosters—a role he deeply loved and one that supported many shuttle missions over more than two decades. After more than forty years in aerospace and defense, Don retired to Washington, Utah, returning to the red rocks and mountains near his beloved Parowan, Paragonah, and Panguitch Lake. He cherished time at the Burton family cabin and delighted in hunting, hiking, four-wheeling, fishing, and simply being in the outdoors with Laura, his children, and grandchildren. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Don served in many callings, including as a Bishop—a responsibility he found both challenging and rewarding. He also served two missions at the St. George Family History Center, compiled several volumes of family history, and helped many people discover their ancestors. Proud of his pioneer heritage, he served on the board of The National Society of the Sons of Utah Pioneers and lovingly cared for family graves and memorials in the cemeteries of Parowan and Paragonah. Don loved traveling, basketball, genealogy, and especially time with his family. He and Laura were married for over 66 years and rejoiced in their posterity of 4 children, 19 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Known for his genuine smiles, warm bear hugs, buttery popcorn, homemade cookies, and playful “Donald Duck” voice, he was a beloved presence at family gatherings, game nights, Lake Powell trips, and movie nights—particularly those featuring his favorite, John Wayne. Don is survived by his wife, Laura; his children Michael (Cori) Burton, Mechele (Scott) Homer, Scott (Cristina) Burton, and Kelly (Kelly) Burton; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings, and his grandson Tyler Burton. His family takes comfort in knowing he is joyfully reunited with loved ones beyond the veil and that his legacy of faith, service, and love will continue in the lives of those he leaves behind. The family would like to thank the phenomenal members of the Fairway ward for their selfless service, Bishop Tew for his unfailing kindness, the dedicated staff at St. George Regional Hospital, the IHC Hospice Staff and the countless friends who have supported our family during this trying time and helped memorialize Don, our dear husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel located at 860 N. Fairway Drive, Washington, Utah. Viewings will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 25, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the same location. Interment to follow at the Parowan Cemetery in Parowan, Utah at 3:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com.