BURTON, Robert Leo, age 85, of the Detroit area and Gladstone, passed away on January 25, 2021. Robert was born on October 31, 1935 to Charles H. and Bernice (Columb) Burton in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Gladstone High School in 1954. He was very proud to have been on the Braves football team and scored 3 touchdowns against Escanaba on their field for the win (35 to 7) in 1953 as right halfback. Robert had a draft deferment to attend Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the School of Business & Public Service and majored in Correctional Administration. He was also a member of the MSU boxing team and went undefeated. He graduated from MSU in January of 1959 and two days later, he was on a troop train for boot camp to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Robert honorably served as a member of the United States Army in the Military Police. After serving his country, Robert led a successful career with the Michigan Department of Corrections, as a parole agent and parole supervisor in Wayne County for over 32 years. After retirement, he was employed with the Detroit-Wayne County Mental Health Agency as a recipient rights investigator and later started his own business called Tri-Metro Investigative Agency. He was an avid MSU and Detroit Piston sports fan. Robert enjoyed yearly trips on the 4th of July to the Upper Peninsula and his hometown of Gladstone. He liked gardening, reading mystery novels, and eating out at various restaurants, especially Carl’s Chop House in Detroit. He loved caring for his two cats (Booboo and Henri). Robert was able to spend the last five months of his life with family in Gladstone, at the home of his niece, Jo Ann. Robert is survived by his sister, Patricia Potvin of Green Bay, WI, brother Charles R. Burton (Claire) of Gladstone, MI special friend Barbara Montgomery of Bloomfield Hills, MI, nephews John Potvin, Paul Potvin, Todd Potvin, nieces Jo Ann Alexander (Kevin Smith), Jackie Burton, Linda (Dale) Kozloski, Lorie Potvin, and Jeannie Woelffer, in addition to many great (and great-great) nieces, nephews and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernice Burton and brother-in-law, Jack Potvin of Green Bay, WI.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 30th at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with a memorial service to follow, beginning at 12:30 PM. Burial will take place in the Rapid River Cemetery, next to his parents, in the spring.
Masks and social distancing are required upon entering the Skradski Funeral Home.
Robert loved animals and requested memorial contributions be directed to your local animal shelter or the Michigan Humane Society.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, Mi
Our condolences to the entire family!
Brian Peterson - Valley Village, CA
To all who knew and loved Bob I offer my sincere condolences. His presence at our annual Independence Day celebration was something our entire family looked forward to each year. His smile was infectious and his stories kept us entertained. The memories he left us always brings a smile. Rest in peace, Bob.
Becky Schalow Queen - Georgetown, TX
Bob was a very good influence to my life. He taught me many things and I credit him for my appreciation of nature, wildlife and a love for Michigan State University, his alma mater. Without his presence in my life I would have never experienced the beauty of the Upper Peninsula which I know he so loved. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Bob.
Letha Demings - Ecorse, MI
My condolences and prayers to the family of Mr. Burton. He was one of my supervisor’s with the MI Department of Corrections. He was a good man, who never failed to send me and my family a Christmas card every year. There was none this past Christmas; I’m pretty sure due to failing health. Many precious memories.
Jim Robertson - Rochester, MI
Mr. Burton was my first Supervisor with the Department of Corrections. He was a great boss and taught me how to become a parole agent. He had a wealth of knowledge and was a role model to me. Mr. Burton encouraged me to promote and was put a good word in for me on several occasions. He was a real character and met up with us several times after he retired. My prayers to the family. He will be missed!
Jane Lott - Lansing , MI
I knew Bob 50-some years ago as the step-father to my friend Becky, when they lived in East Lansing. I was not related to Bob, but we discovered we had a connection through family members…Billie Hews married someone in the Columb family…Billie was a sister to my Aunt Darrell, who married my mom’s brother Robert Oberg of Rapid River. It really is a small world. My sincere condolences to the family of Bob on his passing.
Curtis N Salyers - Flatrock, MI
As our neighbor Bob was always polite and had a big smile on his face,he was always friendly to my grandkids and family and will truly be missed. R.I.P prayers to the family also in this difficult time. Curtis & Viv Mngrs @ Tiny Village MHP
Ted Pace - Calvert City, KY
Bob and I were both members of the 226th Military Police Company at Ft Harrison, IN, about 1960 and as our US Army service.
He was just a nice guy and well liked by all.