Donald S. Burton, 86 of Downey and husband of Ione Henderson-Burton died Tuesday, March 4, 1997 of sudden heart failure. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the church Friday, March 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. A complete obituary will appear in Thursday’s Idaho State Journal. Arrangements are by Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home, Arimo.
Don S. Burton, “Gramps” 86, of Downey and the husband of Ione Henderson Burton, died Tuesday, March 4, 1997 of sudden heart failure at his home in Downey.
He was born April 9, 1910 in Downey, one of 12 children born to William J. and Mary Christia Simpson Burton.
He married Ione Henderson on February 11, 1931 in Pocatello. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. During the 66 years they shared their lives together, they had three daughters, Ruth, Donna and Alene.
He attended school in Downey, where he was active in baseball, football, basketball and any sport that would take him outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and his grandkids always gave him an excuse to go.
He was a member of the LDS Church and really enjoyed working with the youth. He was a scoutmaster for many years and had also served as MIA superintendent. He enjoyed home teaching and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Throughout his life he worked as a farmer, rancher, welder, cook, railroader, landlord, city water master and heavy equipment operator. He retired from the State of Idaho Highway Department in 1969.
Gramps enjoyed gardening, and didn’t mind showing off his ribbons won at the Downey Fair. He loved the mountains and spent as much time there as he could. He looked forward to his daily drive in the hills around Downey, always trying to spot that “big buck”.
He survived by his wife, Ione, of Downey; daughters, Ruth Jones of Downey; Donna Hodges of Las Vegas, Nev., and Mrs. Moire (Alene) Hodges of Reedley, California; 16 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; one brother, Edward (Snub) Burton and his wife, Donna of Downey; and two sisters, Elizabeth Hooker of Provo, Utah; and Mrs. Lloyd (Pearl) Bybee of Downey. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, six sisters and two grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 1997, at 1 p.m. in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel; Bishop Lavern Brim officiating. Friends may call at the church tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. burial will be in the Downey City Cemetery, under the direction of Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home.

Family Prayer Richard Charters, grandson
Prelude and Postlude
Twila Heath, Piano Kaleen Parke, violin
Invocation Zan Hodges, grandson
Vocal Solo “I’ll Walk With God:
Gary Jones, grandson – acc. By Marsha Jones
Life Sketch Lyle Braegger, friend
Madrigal Choir “Softly and Tenderly”
Kim Thomas, director – Jeannine Davis, accompanist
Speaker Moire Charters, son in law
Remarks Bishop LaVern Brim
Vocal Solo “I Hope There’ll Be Pine Tree
Kim Thomas – acc. by Jeannine Davis acc.
Benediction Percy Bybee, friend
Casket Bearers – Grandsons
Ken Charters Steve Charters
Richard Charters Gary Jones
Larry Jones Hal Jones
Buddy Jones Layne Jones
Compassionate Service by the Downey LDS 1st Ward
Relief Society sisters, Colleen Baker, pres.