ON PARADE – Children dressed as their favorite animals hold a Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H Club banner as they march down Lincoln Street on Earth Day, Monday. The Parade of Species was held in recognition of Earth Day. It was hosted by Sitka Conservation Society, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the Sitka Sound Science Center. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
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Sentinel Staff Writer
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Sentinel Sports Editor
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Alaska Beacon
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Alaska Beacon
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The Associated Press
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April 23
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Vaughn Blankenship
Dies at Age 91
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By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
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Sentinel Staff Writer
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City to Conduct
Relay Testing
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Sentinel Staff Writer
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Sentinel Staff Writer
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Sentinel Sports Editor
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Henry ‘Gene’ Burton Sr. Dies at 80 in Anchorage
Henry E. “Gene” Burton Sr.
Henry E. “Gene” Burton Sr., passed away on Feb. 11, 2021, at the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage,. He was 80.
Gene, known as “Buddy” in Tennessee, was the younger twin born on Oct. 4, 1940, in Jackson County, Tennessee, to Richard Cecil and Mattie Lou (Norton) Burton.
Education was always important to their family, as his father had a third grade education and his mother an eighth grade education. Gene graduated from Cookeville Central High School in 1959 and immediately joined the United States Air Force.
While stationed at Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, working as a medical clerk, he met Adeline June Williams of Sitka, who was working as a licensed practical nurse at the Alaska Native Service Hospital in Anchorage. They were married Nov. 12, 1960, at the Anchorage Courthouse – they celebrated their 60th Anniversary this past November. He was adopted into the Chookaneidi, Wandaa Hit of Hoonah, and given the name of Adeline’s father, Frank O. Williams Sr., Leidoojée.
After moving to Sitka in 1978, Gene worked with the United States Post Office and retired in 1985 after a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed. After recovering, he spent many years helping friends repair radios and CBs as well as advocating for disability rights.
He was a proud lifetime member of the American Legion Post #13, serving over the years as Post Commander, Judge Advocate and Club Manager.
He always had encouraging words for friends and family and lived his life by example, always working hard and living a life filled with dignity and purpose.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons: Michael Jayson Burton, born Feb. 22, 1964, Dennis Wayne Burton, born July 20, 1965, and Stephen John Burton, born August 5, 1967; his older twin sister Della Gerelene Wiley and his sister Ruby Lee Hargis; and brother Floyd Crawford.
He is survived by his wife Adeline Burton, son Henry E. Burton Jr., daughter Pam (Scott) Steffes and granddaughters Haylee and Delainey Steffes of Sitka; his sister-in-law June (Randy) Kinney and brother-in-law John O. Williams of Anchorage, and sister-in-law Alice Phipps of Tennessee. He has many beloved nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19, a private family burial is planned at Sitka National Cemetery, followed by a reception at the American Legion. Pallbearers are: Larry Fitzsimmons, Harvey Kitka Sr., Scott Steffes, John O. Williams, Leonty Williams and Rich Williams.
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20 YEARS AGO
April 2004
Michael Stringer, environmental specialist for Sitka Tribe of Alaska and a founder of the community garden, takes the concept of Earth Week literally. This weekend he hopes others will share his appreciation for “earth” and things growing in it by joining him in preparing the community garden just behind Blatchley Middle School for another growing season.
50 YEARS AGO
April 1974
Classified ads Houses for Sale: Price dropped to $36,500 for 2-story, 4-bdrm. carpeted home on Cascade. Kitchen appliances, drapes, laundry room, carport, handy to schools.