Robert Joseph Burton, 80, of Oakland City, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009 at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton.

Born March 21, 1928 in Princeton, he was the son of George and Rose (Coomer) Burton. He was the last of 13 children.

He served his country in the Navy during WW II at Pearl Harbor. He was a lifetime member of the Oakland City American Legion Post 256 and Princeton V.F.W. Post 1147.

He served Oakland City as councilman and was mayor. managed Wilkins Lumber Co. for 25 years and retired from Wilder Oil Co. He was a life member of the Oakland City Presbyterian Church and later the Princeton United Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Nancy (Crawford) Burton; son, Brad (Marilyn) Burton of Stafford, Va.; daughter, Cindy (Willis) Ross of Oakland City; grandchildren, Stephanie Franklin, Joanie Burton, Shanda and Whitney Ross; great-grandchildren, Braiden Burton, Zachary and Alexa Franklin.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday Feb. 22, 2009 at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel with Dr. Douglas Low officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Princeton,

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday Feb. 21, 2009 and from noon until service time on Sunday at the chapel.