Richard Burton

Richard Keith Burton passed away peacefully at home in Buhl, Idaho on July 12, 2015 at the age of 74 after a lengthy illness.

Keith was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on January 21, 1941 to parents E. Edith (Barr) Burton and Orville H.D. Burton. Keith grew up and attended schools in Cherryvale, KS. In the late 1950's Keith moved to Independence, KS with his mother and youngest brother, Phillip Beeson. Keith graduated from Independence High School in 1960. Keith worked various jobs after school, and began employment with Sutton Nursery and Landscape shortly before graduation.

On June 11, 1960, Keith married Donna Jean Fowler. Keith and Jean had one child, daughter, Grace Darling "Dolly" Burton. Upon marriage and becoming a father Keith began his full-time career with Sutton Nursery, managing crews to clear and maintain tree limbs near utility lines and later managing the ranch, crops and herds of charolais cattle owned by Dale and Grace Fowler. Keith and Jean later divorced.

Upon closure of Sutton Nursery in the late 1970's Keith focused his skills, ingenuity and hard worth ethic to the trades, working with Stark Construction, Jim Selby Appliances and LaForge & Budd Construction.

Keith moved to Buhl, ID in 1984 to be closer to brother Phillip. Keith began working as a plumber and acquired his Journeyman Plumber License. This is when he met and married Kaite Jaynnette Connolly; they would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 14th. Keith worked for the next several years on residential and commercial/industrial plumbing projects and inspecting telecommunication fiber optic projects throughout Idaho, California and Nevada.

During Keith's retirement years, he enjoyed hunting and camping trips in the mountains, riding his quad, and indulging his love of the great outdoors. Keith was frequently found working on some project to improve his home or helping others with their projects, which included a period of part-time employment at the Home Depot.

Keith took on the title of "Papa" when grandson Beau Hayes was born. Papa passed on many lifelong skills including hunting fishing and being a jokester to Beau. A special bond began when granddaughter Paige Hayes, or as he referred to her "Sweet Pea" was born. He took great pride in showing Beau & Paige the Burton Family Farm in Liberty, Kansas where many a summers were spent playing in the pond with the turtles or going to "Monkey Island".

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Orville; mother, Edith and sister Connie Wright.

Keith is survived by wife, Jaynnette Burton of Buhl, ID; sister, Edythe (James) Taylor of Fountain Hills, AZ; brothers, Jimmie (Mary) Burton of Independence, KS, Chuck (Linda) Burton of Manhattan, KS and Phillip (Brenda) Beeson of Buhl, ID; daughter, Dolly (Rick) Stephens of Coffeyville, KS; stepson, Patrick (Larisa) Connolly of McCall, ID; stepdaughter, Pamela (Chris) Hayes of Buhl, ID; grandchildren, Beau Hayes of Aurora, CO, Paige "Sweet Pea" Hayes of Buhl, ID, Michael Stephens of Wichita, KS and Megan (Brian) Caulkins of Goddard, KS; one great-grandchild, Zoe Caulkins and seven nieces & nephews.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday July 25th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the home of Pamela & Chris
Hayes 1225 E 4050 N Buhl, ID. Please bring your favorite memory of Keith and a side dish.