Conley Herman Burton
Conley Herman Burton, age 99, of Atlanta, Texas, went to be with his Lord, and his wife and soulmate, Judy, on May 9, 2020.
Conley and Judy shared an enduring love that stood the test of time and served as an inspiration for family and friends alike.
From the moment Conley rode up on his horse, a path was set for a long life of true love and companionship. Upon her passing, he was quick to let you know that they shared a life together for 76 years, 2 months, and 10 days.
Conley was born on January 5, 1921 to John Wesley Burton and Jane Arabelle “Jannie” Thomas Burton. He was a graduate of Atlanta High School, Class of 1937.
A few years after graduating, Conley and Judy were married in 1941, and started a family. Conley worked as a farmer early in life before being drafted into the US Army in 1944.
He served as a Private First Class in Company B of the 127 th Infantry fighting as a light mortar crewman in the Battle of Luzon, Philippines, and later as a member of the occupying forces in Japan, arriving shortly after the bombing of Hiroshima.
He was decorated with an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with a Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, two Overseas Service Bars, and an Army Occupation Ribbon for Japan.
He was Honorably Discharged in July 1946. Postwar, Conley continued as a farmer before going to work at Day and Zimmerman as a pipefitter, retiring in 1986.
Conley was a devout man of faith and an active member of the Smyrna Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a member of the choir. Of his many hobbies, he enjoyed woodworking, gospel music, and gardening most.
He is survived by a son, Jerry Burton and his wife, Janis of Queen City, Texas; a daughter, Diane Brown and her husband, Donald of Atlanta, Texas; four grandchildren, Michael Brown of Houston, Texas; Jeffrey Burton and his wife, Mandy of Huffman, Texas; Jody Burton of Frisco, Texas; and Ashley Brown Boyd and her husband, Michael of Texarkana Texas. He is also survived by three great-grandsons, Reagan Burton, and Tennyson and Tanner Boyd as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
Conley was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Gene Parker officiating, and under the direction of Hanner Funeral Services.
A viewing was on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hanner Funeral Services.
Interment will be in the Smyrna Cemetery.
Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.