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DETROIT/ GLADSTONE -- Robert Leo Burton, 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 three 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, Wis., brother Charles R. Burton (Claire) of Gladstone, Mich. special friend Barbara Montgomery of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., 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, Wis.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 30 at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with a memorial service to follow, beginning at 12:30 p.m. 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.
For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.