Obituary of Paul Houston Burton

Paul Houston Burton (79) longtime Fernwood, ID resident passed away at his home after a short but brave battle with cancer.  He was born to Charles and Edna Burton on July 1, 1944 in St. Maries, ID.  Paul grew up in St. Maries and attended school there.  At an early age he went to work, spending time at Torchie’s, the railroad, and other odd jobs before going to work in the woods.  In 1967 Paul enlisted into the U.S. Army spending almost 2 years overseas.

Paul met Marie Niebel in 1973, and they quickly fell in love.  They married on March 27, 1976 at the Hitching Post in Coeur d’ Alene, ID, and made their home in Pierce, ID.  Paul worked for Lange Cedar Mill until he was permanently laid off, he then went to work for the school district in janitorial services.  The family then moved to Lewiston, and Paul went to work for Bennett Lumber.  In 1980 an opportunity for employment came up at Emerald Creek Garnet, so the family relocated to Fernwood.  Paul started his career there as a laborer throwing 100 lb bags; he ended his career after 27 years as the Jig Plant Operator. 

An avid outdoorsman, Paul enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping.  His family shares many special memories of their family camping trips, and Paul turning into a big kid playing with all of the kids in the river.  He loved telling stories of the good ol’ days, a fun fact and story he told was Al Capone frequently drinking in his grandfather’s bar in Chicago.  Paul was also a member of American Legion Post #25.

Paul is survived by his wife Marie at their home in Fernwood; children Paul Burton (Denise Ellison) of Spokane, WA and Donald Burton (Sara McPherson) of Post Falls, ID; grandson Kolby Burton; numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Carolyn Burton, Bill Burton, and Barbara Crawford.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors Presented will be held at a later date.