Brent Burton

Robert “Brent” Burton, 75, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 2, 2021, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Brent began his mortal journey January 31, 1946, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to loving parents Robert and Louise Burton. He had the privilege of being the oldest of four Burton boys. Brent took that role very seriously. He loved his younger brothers deeply. After attending Hawthorne and Eastside grade schools and O. E. Bell Junior High, Brent graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1964.  He spent a year at Ricks College before serving in the British mission, 1965 to 1967. Serving the people from his ancestors’ homeland deepened Brent’s love for those wonderful people—and Cadbury chocolate! He also attended BYU and remained a great fan.

Brent was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was devoted to his faith and served in many capacities within the church. One of his favorites was serving in the Idaho Falls Temple as an ordinance worker for 14 years.

Brent married Bobbie Nielsen June 7, 1969. To this union was born six children who will always treasure his sense of humor, phone calls, boys’ trips, and his extraordinary talent for singing backwards.

Brent married Patricia Ann Hill November 23, 1989, and inherited two supportive stepchildren. He worked alongside his wife, Pat, as a real estate appraiser up until a couple weeks prior to his death. Brent and Pat's love for each other was evident; they were inseparable. They enjoyed working, traveling, serving, and just being together.

Brent loved spending time with his family, going on walks, memorizing passages, singing oldies songs and church hymns, and calling his mom every night until her passing earlier this year.

Brent battled cancer and beat it more than once. His grandchildren referred to him as the grandpa with nine lives. His love for life, family, friends, and watching sports kept him going. You could often find Brent striking up a conversation with anyone, drinking ice in his milk, vacationing in St. George, or laughing until he could barely breathe.

Brent passed away peacefully Saturday, October 2, 2021, due to complications from COVID. He will be greatly missed by his family, whom he loved “more than all the sand on the seashores," and many great friends and ward members whom he treasured.

He is survived by his wife Pat Burton of Idaho Falls; children, Brandt (Bunny) Burton of Idaho Falls, Bart (Kim) Burton of Idaho Falls, Amy (Jared) Holt of Enterprise, UT, Brady (Mardell) Burton of Idaho Falls, Andria (Jared) Burgoon of Holdrege, NE, and Alisa (Rob) Cunningham of Huntington Beach, CA; step children, Tricia (Mike) Bundy of Kuna, ID, and Justin (Shirlyn) Wanlass of Diamond Valley, UT; thirty-seven of “the best grandchildren on earth”; as well as three precious great granddaughters; brothers, Blaine (Debbie) Burton of Idaho Falls and Brian (Jill) Burton of Idaho Falls; and sister-in-law, Debbie (the late Brad Burton) Burton of Provo, UT.

Brent was preceded in death by his father Robert Chandler Burton, his mother Louise Fielding Burton, and his brother Joseph “Brad” Burton.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  Tiebreaker Building, 1100 S Tiebreaker, with Bishop J.T. Carle, officiating. The family will meet with friends Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

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