Thomas Lynn Burton

The Admirable Life of Thomas Lynn Burton

Thomas Lynn Burton was born to John Earnest Burton and Margaret Joyce Burton on Febru-ary 13th, 1948 in Austin, Tx. He was the oldest of three. His surviving siblings are John Layne Bur-ton and Rebecca Joyce Burton. At a young age, Tommy’s knack for repairing and assembling every kind of mechanism was apparent as his mother would find her missing household appliances de-constructed on the family’s living room table — and Tommy hard at work discovering how each piece fit together. His hunger for learning and devotion to problem solving— led him to master many trades throughout his life.

Tommy held his first job at age thirteen, fixing lawn mowers for a local company. After grad-uating from Sidney Lanier High School of Austin, Tx in 1968— He attended Central Texas College in Killeen, Tx for a year before deciding to pursue employment with Alamo Glass Company. In his 20’s, Tom moved to the Houston Heights to work for his Aunt Billie ad Uncle Arnold who owned rental properties in the area. Local residents found Tom’s generous heart and handiwork to be en-dearing, and — without any official licensing— thus began his self employment trade of rental home management and repair for friends in the Houston area.

As a faithful member and Sunday school teacher of Woodland Baptist Church —Tom en-joyed serving our Lord by devoting his time and money to the children’s class, and making repairs on the Church building. Tom was known for his generous, compassionate heart for families and children in need. Along with his master ability to problem solve, he was an avid and passionate reader, crossword puzzler, traveler, and photographer. Tom enjoyed treating friends to experience the culture and art of museums, Theaters, plays and musicals, Ballets and Operas. A few collections he treasured and left behind included photographs, coins, classic movies of the 1920’s- 1960’s, books and literature of every kind, and European artwork. Every holiday card and letter sent to him by friends and family he kept— and he held those words of loved ones dear to his heart.

Fatherhood came natural to him and he was adored by his two daughters, Ashley and Ariel. He enjoyed traveling around the great state of Texas with his two girls and taking them on summer vacations to theme parks, carnivals, and holiday events. He established a stable, loving home for his girls— and provided for every need financially so that his daughters and his grandchildren nev-er experienced lack. His grandchildren Valarie, Savanna, and Oliver loved their Opa deeply.

Tenants who lived in Tom’s rental homes quickly became life long friends because of his generous heart and faithful response in their times of need. Tom was known as the “man to call” whenever something was wrong— whether it was a broken appliance, a financial crisis, or family struggle — he would figure a way to solve problems in a responsible, cost effective way. His fami-ly, friends, clients, and tenants were forever grateful for his generous, dedicated service.

Tom was a talker who would gladly spare hours of his time sharing practical knowledge and listening to the questions and opinions of others. Conversations with Tom were insightful and cap-tivating, yet also light- hearted and humorous. Always forgiving, always dependable, always de-voted to serve us — Tom was a father to many through his provision and counsel— and a friend to all he encountered. A true man of abiding love and unwavering integrity.

Tom Burton — Our Friend, Our Brother, Our Father… the true Jack of All Trades—and Mas-ter of One — Love. We treasure you— We honor you. May you rest in deep, resounding peace— and know how truly missed you’ll be.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Burton family.