Verdell "Lefty" Burton

Verdell "Lefty" Burton, age 85 of Lexington, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Franklin Verdell Burton was born March 23, 1935 in Purcell, Oklahoma, 1 of 16 children born to Elbert B. Burton and Ova Bell (Hook) Burton. He was raised in Purcell and attended Fox Schools. He earned the nickname "Lefty" after going to work when they discovered he was left-handed. He learned the value of hard work at a young age, and like many in the time, left school to work and help his family. By chance, Lefty landed a job at a cotton gin in Olton, TX. It was here he met a young lady named Janice Rhodes. Lefty and Janice became friends, and this friendship led to a lifetime of friendship. They married for 64 years and settled in West Texas. Together they raised two sons, Lonnie and Ronnie. Lefty never left the cotton gin. He learned every job he could, and could handle the day to day business, and retired as manager after many years of dedicated service. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time soaking up the sun and enjoying the fresh air. Lefty was a friendly and outgoing, and truly never met a stranger. He often remarked that "they are only a stranger, until someone says hello". He moved back home to Oklahoma a few years ago to be closer to his granddaughter Megan and family. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: his wife, Janice Burton; his boys, Lonnie Burton and Ronnie Burton; three brothers, E.J. Burton, Charles Burton and Teddy Burton and four sisters, Rowena Burton, Pauline Burton, Evelyn Fannon and Oreta Lindsey. Lefty is survived by: five brothers, Gene Burton of Purcell , Curtis Burton of Purcell , Glendon Burton of Purcell, Terry Burton of Purcell and Keith Burton of Okemah ;three sisters, Francis Wells of Purcell , Patsy Evans of El Reno and Gail Trimmell of Purcell ; six grandchildren, Nicole Chapman and husband Matthew of San Antonio, Amanda Burton and partner Trip Sanborn of San Antonio, Trista Smalenberger and husband David of Denver, Megan Dernaika and husband Tarek of Okla. City, Justin Burton and wife Chelsea of Plainview, TX and Jennifer Marvel and husband Chris of Canyon, TX; nine great grandchildren, Dustin, Seth, Cheyenne, Mia, Adam, Olivia, Lillian, Zane and Braxton; several nieces and nephews and host of other family and friends. Private Memorial Service will be at a later time.

Verdell "Lefty" Burton

March 23, 1935 - November 17, 2020