Phillip L. Burton, age 81 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis following a courageous battle with cancer and other health issues.  He was born January 31, 1938 in Elwood, the son of Clarence and Beatrice (Tomlinson) Burton, and he was baptized in the Presbyterian Church.  Phil was a 1956 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood, and later served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years.  He married Saundra "Sandy" Robison on October 30, 1960 at East Main Street Christian Church where they later attended for many years.  He and Sandy shared over 58 years of marriage together.  Phil worked as an inspector for Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for 44 years, and he retired in 2000.  In retirement, Phil managed the Elwood Car Wash on Main and 28 ^th Streets for over 5 years.  He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union #685 in Kokomo.

When Phil's son was younger, he was active as a coach in the Elwood Little League Baseball and Youth Football programs in Elwood for many years.  Phil was an avid outdoorsman - enjoying camping, boating, skiing, and playing shuffleboard.  He also loved to watch western movies and play euchre with family and friends.  Phil and Sandy were honored to host 3 foreign exchange students, Kirsi from Finland, Jutta from Germany, and Lone from Denmark.  Phil was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.  He is now blessed to have renewed health and was able to spend his first Father's Day in Heaven.

Phil's family legacy includes his wife, Saundra "Sandy" Burton of Elwood; son, Dr. Shawn A. (wife Nancy) Burton of St. Augustine, FL; daughter, Shelly D. Bryant of Elwood; 6 grandchildren, Danielle (Jesse) Gallegos of Elwood, Damon (Mary) Shope of Elwood, Jeremy Phillip Burton of Chicago, Derek Joseph William Bryant of Elwood, Alexandra Emory Burton of Chicago, and Dacey Ilene Bryant of Elwood; 5 great-grandchildren, Cambrion Gallegos, Abram Gallegos, Hayes Gallegos, Kellyn Shope, and Jaxon Shope; 3 nephews, Terry (Carol) Roland of Florida, Johnny (Caroline) Clouser of Elwood, and Larry (Betty) Roland of Indianapolis; and special friends, the Kessinger family, the Champion family, and Trent Fern.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gloria (and husband Ray) Roland; his grandparents; an infant brother; and two very special boxer dogs.

A funeral service celebrating Phil's life will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  In honor of Phil's love of dogs, memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Animal Shelter through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.