Richard Antone Burningham

Richard Antone Burningham, our amazing husband, father, grandfather, and brother died suddenly January 9, 2019 in St. George, Utah. He was born April 18, 1944 in Ogden, Utah to Cecil and Ethel Burningham. He was the 7th of 10 children and his mother often referred to her handsome son saying he was far “too pretty for a boy”. Richard frequently shared a memory from his childhood that when his family got down to 2 flavors of ice cream in the house he insisted that his parents go to the store for more flavors! While growing up, he always treasured one-on-one time with his father, even if it required lengthy trips driving 50 miles out of town. He served a full-time LDS mission in Copenhagen, Denmark. Then, from 1967-1968 he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Because of his military service, his name will be engraved on the Veteran’s Memorial Monument at Tonaquint Cemetery in St George, Utah. Shortly after returning home from service, he met Vickie Henrie in Southern California and was married for 30 years. They had 4 children together: Lorraine (Ben) Roach, Glen Burningham, Diane (Haldon) Johnson, and Doug (Angie) Burningham. From an early age, he had a talent for fixing things which led to a career in construction. Some of his projects included remodeling a school, working on church buildings, building houses with brother-in-laws, and restoring the St. George Opera House. He also trained in architecture as a draftsman, which he loved doing. He was always known for his hard work, and as the best handyman for anything! In 2011, he swept Susan Pectol off her feet and was re-married, adding seven adult children to his family: Jeffrey (Anna) Pectol, John (Trisha) Pectol, Mike (Helen) Pectol, Rebekah Pectol, Matt (Leigh) Pectol, Shelly (Daniel) Reber, and Daniel Pectol. This union boasts of 36 grandchildren which he spoiled, teased, and loved to pieces. He always said “family first” and cherished every moment with his grandkids. One of his favorite activities was the card game, Canasta. Many friends and family members cherish fond memories of a great, competitive game with Richard. He is survived by his wife, Susan, 10 children, 36 grandchildren and 3 siblings: LaWana Marrs, Bob (Sali) Burningham, and Gary (Karen) Burningham. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ethel Burningham, son, Joseph Glen Burningham, and 6 siblings: Dale Burningham, Lorraine Torbett, Dorothy Snyder, Rodney Burningham, Sherry Callahan and Fred Burningham. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 14, 2019 at the LDS Church, Cotton Manor Ward Building – 2583 East 350 North at 11:00 a.m. There will be a viewing beforehand from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the same building. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Tonaquint Cemetery located at 1777 South Dixie Drive, St George, UT 84770. A sincere thank you to Serenity Funeral Home for their assistance and their donation of a memorial tree planted in the Dixie National Forest to honor Richard’s memory.

Richard Antone Burningham

April 18, 1944 - January 9, 2019