Thomas Merle Burton

Thomas Merle Burton, 86, of Owensboro, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born April 7, 1936 on a Daviess County farm to the late Merle Wilson and Helen Thomas Burton. Mr. Burton attended city schools and met his first and lifelong love, Patricia, as a student at Central Junior High. He was a 1954 graduate of Owensboro High School where he was very involved in band, ROTC and choir. Mr. Burton served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for six years. Tom attended Kentucky Wesleyan and majored in chemistry before joining his wife’s family business, Sure Gas. He became owner of that company and retired in 1989, having served as President of Kentucky LP Gas Association. He had also owned Dove Transportation and was a partner in Limos by Knight.

Mr. Burton was a life-long and very active member of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church where his activities included the Open Door Sunday School Class, youth counselor, sanctuary choir and preparing Wednesday night meals.

 He served as Santa Claus around Owensboro for twenty -five years, with twenty of those as Santa for the parade. This began through his membership in the Lion’s Club where he served in many local and state offices, attaining the role of Chairman of the District Board of Governors and becoming a Melvin Jones Fellow. Mr. Burton was also a member of the Owensboro Jaycees.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Burton Walker; brother-in-law, Bill Walker; son-in-law, Phillip Kevin Landgrave; and a nephew, Michael Burton.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 64 years, Pat Fiorella Burton; children, Steve Burton (Becki), Barbara Landgrave and B.J. Burton; grandchildren, Chris Burton (Amanda), Meagan Burton Broerman (Ben), Kristen Landgrave Thurman (Chris), Drew Landgrave (Katie), Paul Burton, John Landgrave (Mary) and Ben Landgrave (Kimberli); great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Emmie, Addison, Easton, Amelia, Eevee, Elise, Makenna, Thomas, Kacy, Barry, Claire, Sam, Allie and Margaret; a brother, Harold Burton (Patty); many nieces, nephews and extended family who will love and miss him.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, where visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Entombment will be at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Settle Memorial United Methodist Church Youth Fund, PO Box 1756, Owensboro, KY 42302, Owensboro Lion’s Club, 2707 Breckenridge Street, Ste. 1, Owensboro, KY 42303 or Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.glenncares.com.