Noted educator, author and LDS theologian, Alma P. Burton 85, died April 30, 1998 at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center of complications following surgery.
Born Jan. 12, 1913 in Nephi to Thomas Hyrum and May Pexton Burton, he married Clea Rich Morgan March 15, 1941, in the Logan LDS Temple. They are the parents of five children: Barbara (Art) Barron; David A. (Beth) Burton; Ann (Keith S.) Blake; Jon C. (Gwen) Burton; James R (Denise) Burton.Mr. Burton spent his life in service to his community and church, serving in a variety of capacities. He received his bachelor's degree from Utah State University, his master's from Brigham Young University and his doctoral degree from the University of Utah. His life was dedicated to teaching and education.
Mr. Burton served as the superintendent of the Alpine School District, dean of Admissions and Records at BYU and as a profes sor of church history and doctrine. He was also the assistant administrator of Seminaries and Institutes for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
His church service was extensive and includes serving as president of the Manti LDS Temple, as stake president of the Orem Sharon Stake, member of the General Board of the MIA, director of the Independence Missouri Information Center and president of the Utah Valley Regional Genealogical Library. He served a mission to the Central States Mission.
A prolific writer, Mr. Burton wrote several gospel-related books,including his most recently released book last year, "The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ." He also authored: "Toward the New Jerusalem," "Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith," "Karl G. Maeser, Mormon Educator," "Understanding the Things of God," "Mormon Trail From Vermont to Utah," and with friend Wm. E. Berrett he co-authored three volumes of "Readings in LDS Church History."
Mr. Burton also co-authored two books with his wife, "For They Shall be Comforted" and "Stories from Mormon History." He also contributed to church lesson manuals and articles for the Encyclopedia of Mormonism and the Ensign magazine.
Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, May 4, at the Sharon Stake Center, 545 S. 800 East, Orem. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Stake Center and Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. before the service. Interment will be in Orem.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Walker-Sanderson Mortuary, Orem.