Larry Burton

It is easy to see when reflecting on the life of Larry Burton that nothing in his life was about him, but that everything along his life’s journey was about caring for others. He was a loving and devoted husband, selfless father, and doting grandfather whose family was his greatest source of pride and joy. Life was not without times of trial for Larry, but he did his best to weather the storms while holding fast to the Catholic faith that had been his companion throughout most of his life. He was a servant of the Lord he served and a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. Life will never be the same without Larry here, but the memories he made with his friends and loved ones will never be forgotten.

The decade of the 1950s was an eventful one in American history. There were new trends like blue jeans and poodle skirts while Barbie dolls and silly putty were among the latest fads. Elvis Presley became a worldwide phenomenon when he transformed the world of music with rock ‘n roll while James Dean made young girls swoon. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1952 that was filled with great anticipation for a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child as spring unfolded in all its glory. Their wait was finally over when their healthy baby boy drew his first breath on May 16th. Larry Calvin was the older of two children born to his parents, Calvin L.D. and Geraldine R. (Irwin) Burton, and he was raised in the family home on 23rd Street in Jenison alongside his younger sister, Susan. His father worked as an autoworker for General Motors while his mother was both a mother and a cashier at Meijer.

In many ways Larry experienced a typical upbringing. He loved sports of all kinds and was a student at local schools including Godwin Elementary and Jenison High School where he played baseball. Larry was also musically inclined as he was a drummer in a band with a couple of his friends during high school, and they continued with gigs for a time after high school as well. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting in addition to small game hunting fairly regularly.

After graduating from high school in 1970, Larry began working for Rowe International, a juke box manufacturer, where he remained throughout his entire career until they closed just a few years ago.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Larry’s introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Laura, and they first met when she was getting gas at the Wesco gas station in 1971. Since Larry frequented the gas station, they met several times over the months that followed, talking each time they saw each other there. Over time, Laura persuaded Larry to go for a drive with her, and the rest is history as they say. After dating for several months, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Larry and Laura were married on October 28, 1972, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church just six months after Laura graduated from Kellogsville High School.

The newlyweds settled into their first home at Country Corners Mobile Home Park in Kentwood. Together they welcomed their first child, Matthew, who was born in April of 1977. With the birth of their daughter, Jenny, in June of 1980, their family of four was complete. The young family made their home on Canterbury Street, SW in Wyoming before moving to Sand Lake, Michigan, in 1986. They had a beautiful place right on the lake with plenty of room for them to host the numerous family gatherings they both loved. Larry was also able to satiate his love for fishing frequently since he lived on the lake. Both wonderful parents, Larry and Laura were very involved in everything their children were a part of including baseball and Boy Scouts with Matt and softball, dance, and band with Jenny. As a family they also enjoyed family camping trips to the Hardy Dam area.

Throughout his life, Larry was passionate about the things he believed in. He was devout in his Catholic faith and a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. When Knights of Columbus formed a council at his church, Larry became a charter member. Larry was an active member who was elected to deputy grand knight, and he later served as grand knight as well. With a heart for others, he was active in supporting right to life for the unborn. Larry could often be found watching and listening to Catholic programming on EWTN radio and television. As a sports fan, he also enjoyed following the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings.

Trying times were in store for Larry and his family when his wife was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 1990, which had also afflicted her mother. The disease progressed over the years, and Larry tenderly cared for his wife at their home for as long as possible. In 1993, they moved to Standale where he continued to care for her at home. He would say that he had the easy job, however, as Laura’s battle with the disease was anything but easy. In the words of their favorite song by Bette Midler, Laura was truly “the wind beneath his wings.” Eventually, Laura required more care than Larry could provide, which brought her to Allendale Nursing and Rehabilitation Community where she remained for exactly five years. It was such a blessing that Larry and the rest of her family were able to be by her side when she died on October 23, 2008. Understandably, Larry had a hard time after losing the love of his life.

With unending love for his family, Larry Burton was a gift in the lives of those around him. With an unwavering faith as his constant companion, he lived a life of purpose each and every day. Larry leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be carried on by his beloved children, grandchildren, and the generations yet to come.

Larry C. Burton aged 61 of Walker, MI, died Friday, November 1, 2013 from accidental injuries. He was preceded in death by his wife Laura Burton, and his father, Calvin Burton. He is survived by his children, Matthew and Katie Burton, Jennifer and Dustin Becker; his grandchildren, Calvin, Emma and Gavin Burton, Dylan, Nathan and Madison Becker. His mother, Geraldine Burton; his sister, Susan and Tom Kishman; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends. Larry was a longtime employee of Rowe International and was past Grand Knight of Sacred Heart of Jesus Knights of Columbus - Council #13641. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 156 Valley Ave SW. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Wednesday from 6:00 – 9:00 PM with a scripture service at 8:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Huntington’s Disease – Michigan Chapter. To read more about Larry’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com