of Benton, AR

January 4, 1929 - February 22, 2017

Gail Travis Burton, 88, of Benton passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at his home. He was born January 4, 1929 in Temple, OK to the late William L. and Vela Ina Burton. He was also preceded in death by his oldest brother, M/Sgt. Wendell L. Burton and older sister, Lauretta Burton Reynolds.

Mr. Burton was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Benton, a U.S. Army veteran having served in Korea 1946-48, and had retired as a Fire Protection Specialist. He was also a Master Mason, a life-member of the California PTA, member of the Los Angeles Fire Protection Forum, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, the Missouri Cowboy Poet's Association, and a charter member of the Academy of Western Artist.

Since 1987 his poetry has been featured in The Tombstone Epitaph, the National Newspaper of the Old West. He has written from 400-450 cowboy poems.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Burton; five children, Terri Baird (Victor) of Benton, Paul Burton of Fawnskin, CA, John Burton of Benton, Joel Burton (Karen) of South Plainfield, NJ, and Leonard Burton of Little Rock; 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many friends.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning, February 25th at Selph Hall of First Baptist Church in Benton with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Dr. Richard Grant. Mr. Burton's 80-Plus Men's Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for Children's Ministry at First Baptist Church, 211 S. Market St., Benton, AR 72015 and/or Saline Memorial Hospice House in Bryant, 23157 I-30 So., Bryant, AR 72002.

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