Willard Leon Burton

Willard Leon Burton May 6, 1939 - September 14, 2026

Willard was surrounded by his children as he peacefully passed from this world. He was lovingly welcomed on the other side by his beautiful sweetheart, Joyce, and their beloved son, Bradley, along with many cherished family members and dear friends who had gone before him.

Willard was born in Roosevelt, Utah, to Leon and Edith Burton. He was the second of five children: Etholeen, Lloyd, Lynn, and Dean. He grew up on a farm in Talmage, Utah, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a deep love for the outdoors.

Willard attended Altamont High School. During those years, he was a proud member of the basketball team and enjoyed singing in the choir. The friendships he formed in high school remained treasured throughout his life. After graduation, Willard served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay, where he shared his faith and love for the gospel. His testimony remained a cornerstone of his life.

Willard proposed to Joyce in front of Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on January 31, 1964. Their union was blessed with six children, nineteen grandchildren, and twelve great‑grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. This past January, Willard and Joyce celebrated sixty‑two years of marriage.

Willard spent most of his career operating large excavation equipment and managing construction projects throughout Utah. He took great pride in his work and often pointed out projects he had been part of throughout Salt Lake County.

He found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing of any kind, especially at Moon Lake or Twin Pots, which held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed road trips, exploring new places, and taking his four‑wheelers out for adventures. He also loved hunting and shooting, collecting baseball hats and vintage glass bottles. Gardening was a special passion of his; he loved showing off his garden and sharing its abundance with everyone.

Willard was an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity about the world. He subscribed to National Geographic for more than fifty years. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and studying the gospel. Some of his greatest joys came from spending time with his grandchildren. He loved taking them on adventures in his big white van, creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Willard had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease, tell jokes, and shared stories. He also had a sweet tooth—especially for ice cream from Cold Stone.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Willard served in many callings, including Bishop of the West Jordan 6th Ward. He loved serving his ward and neighbors and could always be counted on to help in any way. Willard and Joyce shared their love of the gospel by serving a senior mission in Wisconsin. He loved the temple and served as a dedicated temple worker for many years.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his son, Bradley (Karen); and his parents, Leon and Edith. He is survived by his children: Pamela (Daren) Condie, Angela Bain, Bryant (Angie) Burton, Tricia (Adam) Mendenhall, and Gregg (Dacia) Burton. Grandchildren: Condie – Jamie, Ron, Josh, Ben Burton – Matthew, Megan Bain – Amanda, Ryan Burton – Katie, Jonah, Wyatt, Lilly, James Mendenhall – Kennedy, Madison, Lincoln, McKinley Burton – Zane, Keon He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026. A viewing will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the church located at 7268 S. 2700 W., West Jordan, UT. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place afterward at Valley View Memorial Park Cemetery, 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, UT.