Richard D. Burton

BURTON, Richard D., age 81, of Centerville, OH, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Richard was born on July 19, 1944, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to the late Arlen and Opal Burton. He graduated from Carlsbad High School before attending the University of Houston. Following his education, Richard worked in Texas for several years before beginning his career with Encyclopaedia Britannica, where he built lasting relationships and took great pride in helping families grow their libraries.

He later relocated to the Dayton area, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Flanders. The two shared 43 wonderful years of marriage filled with laughter, creativity, and family.

Throughout his life, Richard was an avid painter and artist, finding beauty and expression in every brushstroke. He was also an accomplished writer, a lifelong reader, and a devoted Elvis Presley fan. Richard’s happiest moments were spent around the kitchen table, surrounded by his loved ones, enjoying a home-cooked meal and heartfelt conversation. His faithful and intelligent spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Connie; and his stepdaughter, Shelley Banford.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Burton; his children, Andrea (John) Frederick and Blair (Rachel) Burton; his stepchildren, Tammy (Kenneth) Wolfe, Scott (Laura) Banford, and Tricia Banford; grandchildren, Shane Frederick, Trent (Kady) Frederick, Luke (Cyntia) Frederick, Olivia Scott, Natalie Frederick, Lacey (Matt) Liles, Hunter Burton, Nicolas Burton, Amanda Banford, Tyler Banford, and Megan [Guingona]; numerous great-grandchildren; his brother, Lynn Burton; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. A livestream of the service will be available via Routsong’s YouTube channel. Burial will take place at David’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton in Richard’s honor.