Robert 'Bob' Donald Burton

Robert ‘Bob’ Burton, 96 of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 with his family by his side.

Bob was born on May 6, 1927 in Niles to the late Mead and Helen Burton.

On August 4, 1957 Bob married the former Barbara Davis.  Sadly, Barbara passed away on February 27, 2021.  He is also preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Helen Dohm and his brother, Jim Burton.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Zelda (& Dallas) Cloud of Edwardsburg, Michigan and Meghan “Molly” (& Carl) Kass of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren R.J. (& Samantha) Lee, Micheala (& Jon) Moody, Angela (& Jeremy) Brown, J.R. (& Julie) Kass, Sara (& Devon) Adair, Riley Kass, Alex Kass, and Gerrit Kass and 11 Great Grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie (& Rudy) Soland of Niles and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob loved being a farmer. He could always be found outside doing one of the many things he loved. If he wasn’t farming or working on his lawn, he could be found tinkering around the shop or baking and cooking in the kitchen.  There are a great many “Papa recipes" floating around the country!

Bob and Barb were members of the National Clydesdale Breeders, USA and the Michigan Draft Horse Breeders Association.  They were also very active in the Cass County Draft Horse Club.  For a long time, they were members of and active in the Airline Snowmobile Club.

He and Barbara loved to go camping and do things outside.  Many memories have been made with family and friends at a campground or beside a campfire. They also attended many of the grandchildren’s activities including football, hockey, and school events.

After a chimney fire in their house, Bob became a member of the Pokagon Twp Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for many years, eventually holding the treasurer's position. As a lifelong member of Wesley (now New Journey) United Methodist Church in Niles, Bob served as treasurer there, too, as well as a trustee.

Bob had a great love of animals. He loved his dogs and cats and of course, horses. 

His great sense of humor and deep love for his family will be forever missed.

The family would like to thank Centrica Care Hospice (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan) and Michiana Home Care, for walking this journey with us.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 12 noon in New Journey United Methodist Church 302 Cedar St. in Niles. A time to visit with the family will be from 11:00 am until the time of service.

Online condolences and messages of sympathy to the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the Cass Co. Fair at www.mycasscountyfair.com