Robert (Bob) E. Burton

Robert “Bob” Burton of Clinton passed away Sunday, August 27, 2017 in Union Hospital after a four-month battle with cancer.  He was born on September 22, 1938 in Elnora, IN to Robert M. Burton and Rosemary Davey Burton.

Bob was a man of many accomplishments. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1956 and in his senior year helped lead the basketball team to a sectional championship and the baseball team to undefeated season. In 1960, he earned a B.S. in Physical Education at the University of Notre Dame while serving as a student trainer for the football team. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana State University in 1963 as well as Certification in Counseling in 1982.

He devoted his life to the field of education as a teacher, coach and counselor. He began his teaching career at New Goshen High School in 1960, then went to West Vigo High School. While there he coached basketball, football and tennis and was the head coach of the boys’ basketball team from 1971 to 1979.  He later was a counselor at Sarah Scott Middle School and ended his career as Director of Guidance at South Vigo High School.  After retirement, he was an adjunct instructor at Indiana State University, supervising student teachers. Bob always had a unique ability to inspire students to find success, despite the circumstances. In 2000, he was given the prestigious Barbara Walters Cole Distinguished Counselor Award by the Indiana Counseling Association.

Bob was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church in Universal and Sacred Heart Parish in Clinton. He also volunteered many hours for the Clinton Lions Club where he served as chairman for the Bondi Scholarship for many years. In addition, he was a proud member of the Notre Dame Monogram Club.

Bob was also an avid sports fan and was an ardent supporter of Notre Dame football and basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals.  In addition, he enjoyed reading his daily newspapers, traveling, golfing and socializing with friends. He knew no strangers and was a charming story teller.

Most of all, Bob was a devoted family man. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Rose Massa, and they spent 57 wonderful years together. Bob always put his family first and he cherished every moment spent with them.  He lived for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Best of all, Bob made each member of the family feel loved and important.

He is survived by his wife, Rose, his loving son, Michael and wife Michelle of Mt. Carroll, IL, grandchildren, Olivia Burton and Allysha Hrovat of Mt. Carroll, IL, Chris Carty (Mallori) of Papillion, NE, Ryan Carty (Megan) of Bloomington, MN; and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017, 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church Catholic Church (Sixth and Nebeker Streets). Concelebrants Frs. Joseph Villa and Varghese Maliakkal officiating with prayers from Giovanni Funeral Home (408 Vine Street, Clinton, IN) at 10:30 a.m. Private burial at a later date. Visitation,  Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Giovanini Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lions Club Service at 7:00 PM at funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bob Burton Scholarship Fund.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or mailed to 1171 E. Hazel Bluff Rd. Clinton, IN 47842.  (make checks payable to Bob Burton Scholarship Fund.