Douglas Gilson Burton, 90, passed away on June 11, 2025. He was born July 30, 1934, to Edward and Mildred Burton in Plainfield, New Jersey. He attended Nyack College and Houghton College, majoring in education. He always had a strong work ethic, working his way through college. He met Suzanne Stevenson, the love of his life in 1954, the beginning of her freshman year. He saw her walking one snowy day, with a large package, and offered her a ride. The rest is history, as they say. In fact, June 13, 2025, marks 67 years since they said, "I do."

He graduated in 1957 from Houghton College with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Doug went on to complete his Masters in Education at Alfred University and a further program in Administration at Colgate University. He began his teaching career at Stoney Brook Preparatory School in Stoney Brook, New York, where they welcomed their first child, Debra. He went on to teach at Rushford Central School in Rushford, New York, where their son, Steven, was born. The family relocated to Brockport, New York, in 1963 when Doug took a job as Vice Principal of the high school. Following that, he worked as the Director of Pupil-Personnel services at Brockport Central Schools until his retirement in 1991.

Doug was a longtime member of the Brockport Free Methodist Church, where he ushered and served as financial secretary for many years. He enjoyed playing racquetball at the college courts with his school buddies, most notably, Carl Wheat, also a Brockport school administrator. Doug was known for going above and beyond with all his endeavors. Besides being a diligent and loving husband and father, he went the extra mile for the students under his care at the school, who had various challenges to their education and well-being. His motto was, "It's about the kids."

He loved to play and watch sports, garden and landscape, and sit down to a thick, deli sandwich with all the extras and a glass of iced tea.

Doug and Sue retired to Gainesville, Florida in 1995, where they began a new chapter of their lives, forming new friendships, and assisting their elderly parents, and Sue's beloved Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bill.

He loved to help his friends and neighbors with odd jobs and repairs or just lending a listening ear or a helping hand.

Doug's sense of humor and Rolodex of jokes and puns were a hallmark of his everyday interactions. They will be missed - and repeated, to be sure.

Doug had a lively faith in God and shared the love of Jesus in word and deed with friends and strangers alike, often saying to someone in a difficult moment, "God is reaching down for your hand. Just reach up and take it." He continued to witness of God's goodness and saving grace throughout his last three years of life, spent in and out of the hospital.

Doug is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Debra Fitzgerald (Danny), Steven Burton (Susan); seven grandchildren; Michael Burton (Courtney), Emma Slocum (Adam), Aaron Fitzgerald (Lucy), Mary Giordano (Mike), David Burton, Jonathan Fitzgerald, Joseph Burton, and nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lorraine Burton (Robert, pre-deceased); brother-in-law Wilbur Zike (Jane, pre-deceased), brother-in-law Jim Stevenson, (Sandy), brother-in-law Tom Stevenson, and several nieces and nephews.

Douglas's funeral and visitation will be held at Grace at Fort Clarke Church, 9325 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32606, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Visitation begins at 10:00 am, and a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am, followed by food and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Douglas Burton to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Grace at Fort Clarke Church, 9325 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32606