December 31, 1930 - June 12, 2015
Visitation
Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 6-8 p.m., Friday, June19, 2015 from 10-11 a.m.
Service
Friday, June 19, 2015 11 a.m., Moreland Funeral Home
Burial
Smith Cemetery
BURTON
Clement R. Burton, of Columbus, OH was born December 31, 1930 , passed peacefully into life eternal on June 12, 2015. Born and raised in Westerville, OH, he was the youngest child of James Leroy and Clarice Cherrington Burton, who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Westerville High School in 1948 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army as a Chaplain’s Assitant in Aberdeen, MD. Following graduate musical training at the Westminster Choir College, Burton held church music positions in Moravian and Lutheran churches in and around Allentown, PA. In 1962 he became Organist/Director of Music at the First Methodist Church in Middletown, OH, a position he held for the next 32 years. In addition to his work at the church, where he organized, produced and directed popular Twelfth Night Dinners, Burton was a co-founder of P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S. The members of this community based group of choral singers, English handbell ringers, liturgical dancers and instrumentalists made six trips to Japan. The travelers stayed in private homes as they supported the missionary work of Ivan Dornon by performing concerts in various cities. Relationships between various cities and Middletown developed and the Japanese sent students to Ohio to visit homes of P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S. After his retirement from the Methodist Church, he served music positions in the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, OH and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Zanesville. In addition to his parents, Burton was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Arthur and Ruth Burton; sister and brother-in-law, John and Edith Kennedy; nephews, John and James Kennedy. He is survived by his partner of over 30 years, William K. Miller; son, Ben (Dawn) Burton and grandson, Jace Burton, all of Eaton, OH; former wife and mother of his son, Nina Markie of Middletown, OH; nieces and nephews, Richard (Deb) Kennedy of Sunbury, OH, Michelle Burton (Jane Clore) of Lakeworth, FL, Dottie James of Tomeehawk, FL, Pam Kennedy of Cleveland, OH and Peg Kennedy of Columbus, OH; cousin, Gordon (Vi) Cherrington of Sturgis, MI. Friends may call at the MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m., Rev. Nancy Zimmerman, officiating. Interment Smith Cemetery. Contributions in Burton’s name may be sent to the Middletown Community Foundation Scholarship Fund for young organists, Suite 300, 300 N. Main Street, Middletown, OH 45042 or the Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214-6200.
Condolences
Juanita & Norman Harsh - Jun 19, 2015
Clem was a special friend and we feel very lucky to have known him from his arrival in Middletown in 1962 until his passing on June 12th. His musical talents and leadership took us far beyond our abilities make music come alive! We are especially thankful to have visited with him on May 29th.
Juanita & Norman Harsh
Tom & Nancy Heberling - Jun 17, 2015
We moved to Middletown in 1962, within months of Clem’s arrival at First United Methodist, and were privileged to sing in the Temple Choir under his direction for 32 years. We were also involved in the Broad Street Players and fondly remember the Twelfth Night presentations. Nancy even babysat for Ben in his early years. In addition to being immensely talented, Clem was always a true gentleman. We send our sincere sympathy to his family and loved ones.
Jerry OConnor - Jun 16, 2015
I am saddened, but thankful for having had Clem as a friend for many years.
David Duff - Jun 16, 2015
So sorry to hear this. I sang for Mr. Burton in youth choir at First United Methodist in Middletown for 7 years. Took organ lessons from him in high school. Accompanied for him with the Cherub Choir. Came back from college and was his accompanist for the children’s choir. He was instrumental in helping form my love of music, as well as my character growing up. I still use the personalized hymnal he gave me on my graduation. Heaven just gained a wonderful organist.
Sarah Gerken - Jun 15, 2015
i am so very sorry
Sarah Gerken - Jun 15, 2015
i am so very sorry
Chuck Shields - Jun 14, 2015
I am saddened by Clem’s passing. We became friends more than fifty years ago. My sincere condolences go to his son Ben and family and to Bill, Clem’s partner of over 30 years. Clem will certainly be missed by us all.
Pat and Hank Miller - Jun 13, 2015
We are saddened to hear of Clem’s passing. We will remember his sweet countenance and beautiful music throughout the years we knew him. May the Lord give you strength and His comfort during this difficult time.
In His love,
Pat (Nina’s sister) and Hank