BROOKSTON -- Don E. Burton, 81, of Brookston, died at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2011, at his residence. He had been battling cancer since last October.

He was born March 20, 1930, in Cass County to the late C. Alfred and Grace I. Burrous Burton. He lived in Cutler until moving to Delphi in 1943, graduating from Delphi High School in 1948.

He married Norma Johnson on April 9, 1949, in Delphi Christian Church. She survives.

Mr. Burton was a lifelong farmer, starting in Carroll County until 1961 when he and his wife moved to their current Round Grove homestead in White County.

He was a member of Badger Grove Baptist Church, Brookston Optimist Club and a 50-year member of Delphi Masonic Lodge. He was also a White County 4-H leader. Mr. Burton was a White County Republican precinct committeeman and also was a longtime member of the White County Ag Association board of directors. He enjoyed farming and farm machinery, including tractor shows.

Surviving with his wife are two sons, David Burton (wife: Kathy) of West Lafayette and Steven Burton (wife: Judy) of Brookston; a daughter, Joy Mussche (husband: David) of Brookston; and a brother, Dean O. Burton (wife: Francis) of Delphi.

Don loved spending time with his family, especially his 6 grandchildren, Erin Powell, Claire Plantenga, Kelly Burton, Drew Burton, Chad Mussche and Megan Mussche; and his 6 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Deacon, Laurel, Jacqui, Noelia and Micah. Preceded in death by a grandson, Craig Steven Burton.

Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011, at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Service there 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2011. Interment to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to White County 4-H, White County Food Pantry or Badger Grove Baptist Church.