George Burton

George Tillman Burton, son of Jesse Fleming Burton and Martha Ellen Percival, was born February 22, 1924, near Kaiser, Missouri. He departed this life at Osage Beach Health Care Center on January 30, 2021, at nearly 97 years of age. On December 17, 1942, he was united in marriage to Clara Isabelle Christensen. To this union 5 children were born. George and Clara shared nearly 49 years of marriage until her death in 1991. He later married Barbara Belle Burch and they shared many years together until her death in 2016. George was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Grace Allhands), two brothers (Buell & Ralph) and his eldest son George M. He is survived by his daughters Ruth Corsentino (Jim) and Rhonda Barry (Jim), sons, Bryant (Brenda) and Doug (June), daughter-in-law, Pauline Burton, and step-daughter, Pam Ratchford. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren/great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. George was raised in the Kaiser area and attended Watson School and Jeffries School. He started work for the CCC (part of the WPA) at age 18 and helped construct roads and bridges in the area that is now Lake of the Ozarks State Park. In 1942 he was drafted into the US Army. He had training in California, Louisiana, and Arkansas before sailing for Europe. As part of his job as a lineman he relayed firing orders for the cannons from the officers to the troops on the front lines. He was involved in several major battles in France, Belgium, Germany and Holland, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Rhine. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars and other decorations during his time in World War II. He returned to Camden County just before Christmas in 1945. After the war George worked at various jobs as he and Clara raised their family. One of his early positions was chef at Union Electric’s Holiday House located on the hill above Bagnell Dam. He later worked at various businesses around the Lake area including: cedar novelty works, cement construction, truck driver, survey crew. From 1975 to 1980, he and Clara operated the Brown and Hicks cafe at Highway 54 and A road. During his free time, George loved hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities including pitching horseshoes at which he excelled. He served as a fishing guide for several resorts in the Linn Creek area and made many friends from throughout the Midwest. At age 59 George trusted Christ as his Savior at Linn Creek Baptist Church. He became very active at the church and eventually served as a deacon there. Due to failing health George spent his last 4-1/2 years at Osage Beach Healthcare Center where he enjoyed all the social activities and events, especially Bingo and horseshoes. He helped lead Bible studies and served on the Residents’ Council. He made many friends among staff and residents and was known as a kind and compassionate person. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. We will always treasure the memories of time spent with him. Many have been blessed by his life.