Kenneth Lynn Burton

Kenneth Lynn Burton, Sr., of Lady Lake, FL, went home to our Lord and Savior on October 11, 2026. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nina Burton; first wife Sylvia Burton; Sylvia's parents Arthur and Iris Crigler; brother-in-law Tom Rolland; son-in-law Billy Cumbest; granddaughter Nina Cumbest; and great-grandson Kegan Cumbest.

 Ken's first love, without question, was to his family and friends. A very close second to that was his passion for all things weather related. It was this passion that led to his service in the United States Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing out of Biloxi, MS, where he served as an instructor, a radio operator, and a crew chief until his retirement. Ken spent many of these same years employed with Huntington-Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, MS., where his experience took him from an electrician to a Trial Card Coordinator in production planning and control with SUPSHIP-Pascagoula until his retirement in 1997. His expertise and experience followed him north to Chicago, IL., where his work landed him positions as Desktop and IT Support with Ameritech and Equity Office Properties. Eventually moving back south and settling into a life without snow in The Villages, FL., his computer skills and knowledge brought him to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office where he was employed as an IT Specialist. Ken was an avid amateur radio operator who held the callsign KI5LV. He enjoyed meeting new friends and contacts from his communications around the world via the shortwave radio frequencies. He was a lifelong NASCAR fan who proudly cheered on the black number 3 car, and it was this loyalty that would occasionally spark some friendly contention among those who knew him, including members of his very immediate family. Ken enjoyed hitting the links and playing any of the many courses available throughout The Villages. He also discovered joy in manning the starter shack of the Lopez Legacy Golf Course with Golf Management Solutions. For Ken, making par on the course was never his top priority, it was simply being able to spend time outdoors, being accompanied by amazing people, and his love for the game.

 Ken's deep faith and beliefs were demonstrated by his steadfast commitment to the Catholic Church. He strived for, and attained the distinguished honor as a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, an accomplishment he cherished dearly and one that will forever remain a meaningful part of his legacy.

 Ken is survived by his loving wife of 28 of years, Joyce Rolland Burton; his three daughters, Chelley Pratt (John) of Waterloo, IA; Paige Cumbest of Ocean Springs, MS; Wendy Taylor (Bobby) of Moss Point, MS; his one and only son, Kenneth Lynn Burton Jr. (Tara) of Ocean Springs, MS; niece Carrie Minor of Knoxville, TN; niece Katie Rolland of Huntervilles, NC; nephew, Dan Rolland of California; great-niece, Zoe Minor of Knoxville, TN; and his beloved grandchildren: Tyler Cumbest of Vancleave, MS; Taylor Ferrer of Moss Point, MS; Justin Cumbest (Sunny) of Ocean Springs, MS; Kensy Baker (Lemuel) of Moss Point MS, Hunter Ferrer (Chasedy) of Moss Point, MS; Sarah Minor (Cade) of Rocklin, CA; Brett Burton (Olivia) of Knoxville, TN, and Madison Burton of Ocean Springs, MS; along with an abundance of great-grandchildren.Throughout the years Ken became a second father, grandfather (or "Coot" as he was affectionately known by many), and confidant to numerous bonus sons, daughters, grandchildren, and family friends.Ken was blessed with a very large and loving extended family, including Mary Ann Stocking, Susie Stocking-Coclanes, Jason Coclanes, Lukas Coclanes, Mark Mickiewicz, Alexandra Anderson and family, as well as many others who all held a special place in his heart. Along side all those who Ken loved and kept close to him, he still had space for all of his fur babies that were brought into his life from either adoption or fostering senior canines in their times of need. Longfellow, Buffett, Sprite, Chuckie, Riley and Daisy and many others were surely waiting patiently for him to arrive with their treats and leash on hand for him to take them on another walk. Dad, you can rest assured we all have assumed the watch, and Daisy has not missed any of her treats and continues her daily exploration around her favorite locations. Ken will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege and honor of knowing him, both personally and throughout the communities in which he lived. His impact on the lives he touched will be everlasting, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved, honored and cherished him. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the following:

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