Robert L. Burton of Bethel Park, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020, born in 1930 in Louisville, KY, to Allan Parr Burton and Virginia Needy Burton, is fondly remembered by family and friends as "Bob." He is survived by his son, Robert Gregory (Karrie) and brother Thomas Allan. Bob is pre-deceased by his wife Shirley, daughter Lisa Elder (Michael), and younger brother John (Jack) William (Carolyn).
Bob's career was rich and varied. Beginning as a Kentucky Camp counselor, he perfected the art of catching skunks by the tail. After graduating Manual High School in 1948, he worked in a tobacco warehouse and then served in the Marine Corps for 3 years, among other things working as an air-traffic controller, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Under the GI Bill, Bob earned a BA in Education from the U. of Kentucky and then taught History at Manual High School in Louisville. At the same time, he worked on the side for the Pinkerton Detective Agency during Kentucky Derby Season. Other work included a stint at Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies as an assistant pathologist. From 1965-1985, Bob served as a Special Agent in the FBI. His assignments included being the Agent-in-Charge of Indian Affairs in Grand Forks, N. Dakota and northern Minnesota, heading the Pittsburgh office's investigation of the Kent State shootings in 1970, and working organized crime in Pittsburgh, becoming a certified government expert in gambling.
In his retirement years, Bob and his wife Shirley found great fulfillment in devoting their lives to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. They found a home at Lakeside Baptist Church in McMurray. Bob later became a treasured member of the Upper St. Clair Christian & Missionary Alliance Church. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Washington City Mission.
Visitation will be held Monday Jan. 20 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 5570 Library Rd., Bethel Park where funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11:00 AM with luncheon at USC Alliance Church ( 2510 Old Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241) to follow service. There will be no travel to the gravesite.
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