Paul Richard Burton, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He received the answer to his long-time prayer, which was to be with Jesus, His Lord and Savior.
Paul was born on March 17, 1938, in Wabash County to Edward and Ruth (Deisher) Burton. He was a 1956 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, and on June 8, 1957, married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Clark of Albion. Paul was an employee of Snap On Tools, retiring after 44 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.
Paul was a long-time member of Heartland Worship Center, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Throughout the years he served in various ministries, including Eldership, Sunday School Superintendent, and Bus Ministry. He faithfully taught an adult Sunday School class for many years. In his retirement years he served with the church’s food pantry ministry, Bridges of Hope. He had a special compassion for hungry and hurting children. Paul was a man of integrity and generosity, and though a quiet person, his voice and presence will be missed by everyone who knew him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and tinkering in his barn.
Living to cherish Paul are his loving wife Helen of 67 years, daughter Paula (Michael) Bean of Princeton, IN, son Bradley (Melanie) of Patoka, IN; very special grandchildren, Johanna(Dominic) Nieblas and their children, Eli, Jude & Isla Mae of Dyer, IN, Kristen (Collin) Cochran and their children, CJ, Benny Paul and Gabriel of Lee’s Summit, MO, Bracy(Briana) Bean of Springfield, MO and their children, Juliette, Evelyn, Olivia and James. Also surviving are several brothers & sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Paul in death were his parents, his brother Robert (Bob) Burton, grandson Israel Richard Burton, and several brothers and sister’s in-law. Also dearly loved by him were his in-laws Bracy & Luecretia Clark, and his beloved pastors, J.S. Eastman and John Yarbor.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Heartland Worship Center from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Heartland Worship Center, 212 W. 2nd Street, Mt. Carmel, IL, with Rev. Michael Bean and Pastor Tony Hodgson officiating.
Burial will follow the service at NYE Chapel cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Heartland Worship Center Missions Program.
Special thanks to the Residential Home Health & Hospice team for their outstanding support and care during Paul’s illness, and to Pastors Tony & Donna Hodgson for their constant love and support.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Burton family.
