Robert Lee Burton

Robert Lee Burton died on May 20, 2024 at his home in the Yacht & Country Club neighborhood in Stuart, Florida, with his family by his side. He was 98 years old, just 3 weeks short of his 99th birthday.

Born on June 7, 1925 to Stanley and Mildred (Campbell) Burton in Detroit, Michigan, Bob was adored by sisters Jean and Lois. After graduating from Baldwin High School Bob attended the University of Michigan before his marriage to Dorothy Porter. He joined the family construction business started by his grandfather William Burton, who built stately mansions in the city. His father Stanley and Uncle Harold continued the business and moved into commercial construction after the end of World War Two. Bob joined the firm and worked there for 40 years, starting as an estimator and advancing to senior partner for 15 years.

As his family grew to include 3 children, Bob built several homes in the Detroit suburbs of Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills. His astute and gifted eye and the decorating talents of his wife Dorothy created beautiful homes which were enjoyed by family and friends.

After his first marriage ended in divorce, Bob married Linda Coulter who was widowed with 4 teenagers. Bob was a beloved stepfather to the Coulter children and “Daddy Bob” to their children. They had homes in Michigan and Florida, then several homes in The Highlands, North Carolina. After Linda’s death in 2007 Bob married again, this time to Jane Walsh Glidden. Her 3 grown sons and their families enjoyed visits to Stuart with fishing, Bocce, birding and cribbage games on the list of activities. Jane passed away in the fall of 2022.

A talented and highly competitive athlete who played golf daily, Bob was proud of his 5 holes in one and shooting his age a total of 12 times. He loved downhill skiing, fishing for tarpon, swordfish and salmon. He excelled at bridge which he played for decades, only folding his cards a year before his death. He played the guitar and sang for friends and family. He was charming.

Bob attended churches in Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida, and was willing to change denominations when he remarried. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Port Salerno was his last spiritual home.

The sole survivor of his immediate family, Bob was predeceased by his son James Hudson Burton. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Ann (Burton) Davies and her husband Roderick Davies, his son John Robert Burton and his wife Deborah, 12 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Also surviving are cherished Coulter and Glidden family members.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 am on June 15 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Port Salerno, Florida followed by a luncheon in Fellowship Hall adjacent to the church. The service will be

available via Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk4C57rTCg4J8QbZSWnePaQ.

Please consider a donation to St. Luke’s in honor of Bob to further their ministry, or to Treasure Coast Hospice.