BURTON HISTORY

The story of Burton Funeral Homes began in 1811 when David Burton arrived in Erie to help build ships for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet, which won the decisive Battle of Lake Erie in 1813.

A.P. Burton, one of David Burton’s ten children, founded the first Burton Funeral Home in 1876 — the same year Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone.

Harry and Ramsay Burton, following in their father's profession, instituted many changes as the city grew. It was during this period that the funeral home was relocated to 352 West Eighth Street where it was well known for many years.

Donald C. Burton, the third generation, planned, developed, and instituted many meaningful changes that modernized funeral service and set new patterns for the future. His desire for high ideals and developed services established sound policies that still guide our firm today.

The fourth generation in the family business was G. David Burton who served as president for nearly 40 years. During that time, he increased the number of Burton Funeral Homes to four locations in order to better serve all of Erie County.

The long-standing Burton tradition of high-quality, caring service is now represented by the fifth generation — Peter J. Burton, F.D. and Karen Burton Horstman.

From generation to generation, Burton Funeral Homes has served families from all walks of life, religions, and financial circumstances with the highest level of professionalism and heartfelt compassion.