Area Man who was Teacher for Decades, Veteran of U.S. Navy, Jackie O. "Jack" Burton, Passes at 91
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 03, 2026
Jackie O. “Jack” Burton, 91, of Fairmont, WV, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Jack was born on March 22, 1934 in Rock, WV in Mercer County, the son of the late L. Spurgeon and lla (Massie) Burton. Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Velma R. Burton, who he married in August, 1955.
He was educated in Mercer County Schools, joining the Navy at the end of his Junior year of High School. Jack retired from the Navy as a 
Master Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service. While serving in the Navy, he served on U.S.S. Tingey, DD539, U.S.S. Vogelsang DDR 862, U.S.S. Sierra AD 18, and the U.S.S. Yancey AKA 31. From 1958 to 1961, he served as a Navy Recruiter in Fairmont, WV.
Master Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service. While serving in the Navy, he served on U.S.S. Tingey, DD539, U.S.S. Vogelsang DDR 862, U.S.S. Sierra AD 18, and the U.S.S. Yancey AKA 31. From 1958 to 1961, he served as a Navy Recruiter in Fairmont, WV.
He was awarded the following Medals and Ribbons: Good Conduct Medals (5), National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Korean Presidential Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Presidential Unit of Citation Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.
He attended Fairmont State College, receiving a BS degree in Industrial Arts with a major in woods and metals, and received a Master in Technical Education with a minor in Adult Education from Marshall University. He taught school in Marion County for 21 years before retiring.
He enjoyed working with and repairing machinery. He was called "Jack of all trades" because he could repair about anything.
He attended Walnut Grove Church where he was a Sunday School Teacher for many years, serving on many committees and Gideons International where he held many offices over the years..
Survivors include his two sons and two daughters-in-law, Brent O. and Janeen (Hawkins) Burton, and E. Spurgeon and LeeAnne (Manns) Burton, all of Fairmont. One daughter and son-in-law, Ronita and Adam Wharton of Beckley, WV. Seven grandchildren, Lori (Tyler) DeVault, Justin Wharton, Monique (Elliot) Callen, Courtney (Brett) Costello, Cyndal Wharton, and Cherise (Troy) Watkins, and Kaya Wharton. Nine Great grandchildren, Chase DeVault, Piper DeVault, Zoey Costello, Cade Costello, Niko Callen, Matix Callen, Isiah Wharton, Stephen Wharton, and A.J. Wharton. One sister, Ramona Sizemore of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as many wonderful and much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Don Burton of Princeton and Michael Max Burton of Kansas City, Missouri, two sisters, Gloria (Sam) Goad, and Raenelle (Tom) Belcher.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1453, Fairmont, WV, or Walnut Grove Church, 1024 East Grafton Road, Fairmont, WV.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. There will be not be any public visitation or funeral services. A graveside committal service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery, 42 Veterans Memorial Lane, Grafton, WV 26354 on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11 am with Pastor Randy Vincent officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Marion County Veterans Council. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
