William "W. E." Burton, Sr., 73, of North Vernon, passed away at 11:10 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at his residence.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service.  Rev. Greg Smallwood will officiate.  Burial will be in Hayden Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, April 25th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Born April 8, 1946, in Adair County, KY, W. E. was the son of James and Lora Burton.  He married Shirley Faye Moore on May 18, 1970.  She survives.

He retired from Cummins, Inc. and loved racing, computer poker, casinos, his kids and grandchildren.

W. E. is survived by his wife, Shirley Burton of North Vernon; son, William (April) Burton, Jr. of North Vernon; two daughters, Susie (Brian) Knighton and Jamie (James) Noel all of North Vernon; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tina Burton; brothers, Christy and Curtis Burton; sisters, Annie Jane Powers, Callie Cowans and Susie Burton; and four brothers and sisters that passed early in life.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the American Cancer Society.