Burton History
Five Generations of Caring Service To Families Of All Walks of Life, Religions and Financial Circumstances
The story of Burton Funeral Homes began in 1811 when David Burton arrived in Erie to help build ships for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet, which won the decisive Battle of Lake Erie in 1813.
A.P. Burton, one of David Burton’s ten children, founded the first Burton Funeral Home in 1876 — the same year Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone.
Harry and Ramsay Burton, following in their father's profession, instituted many changes as the city grew. It was during this period that the funeral home was relocated to 352 West Eighth Street where it was well known for many years.
Donald C. Burton, the third generation, planned, developed, and instituted many meaningful changes that modernized funeral service and set new patterns for the future. His desire for high ideals and developed services established sound policies that still guide our firm today.
The fourth generation in the family business was G. David Burton who served as president for nearly 40 years. During that time, he increased the number of Burton Funeral Homes to four locations in order to better serve all of Erie County.
The long-standing Burton tradition of high-quality, caring service is now represented by the fifth generation — Peter J. Burton, F.D. and Karen Burton Horstman.
From generation to generation, Burton Funeral Homes has served families from all walks of life, religions, and financial circumstances with the highest level of professionalism and heartfelt compassion.
Testimonials
“Superior Service!” Joanne H.
“I thought it was wonderful there was help with life insurance!” – Chandra
“Everything was really perfect! I will use this funeral home in the future!” – Linda
October 26, 2019
We cannot thank you enough for your care, attention and support this past month. We sincerely appreciate your personal and professional courtesy you showed our entire family and we were grateful for your guidance. You made an incredibly difficult time so much less overwhelming. We feel blessed for your role in this life transition.
January 28, 2018
A special thanks for helping us make our mother's funeral so personnel. You are greatly appreciated.
April 3, 2018
Karen – Thanks so much for everything you have done throughout the process of helping us with the accommodations for our loved one. It was a pleasure working with you and Burton Funeral homes.
9/22/2020
Outstanding Compassionate service fabulous video! - Margaret L.
07/15/2022
The staff at Burton Funeral Home from the receptionist to the Director was excellent. They explained everything, made sure everything was taken care of and were compassionate. Thank you.
March 18, 2018
Karen and Peter
Your compassion and ability to guide us with mother’s funeral was a blessing.
A big thank you to you and your team!
July 28, 2018
“I didn’t notice nor did I hear a comment about improvement possibilities. Above and beyond in considerate, care, and service. My brother would have been proud.” – Jodi
October 26, 2019
Karen,
To everyone at Burton, please know how much we ALL appreciate everything you and the whole staff did for us. We are very grateful.
October 5, 2018
To the Staff of Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory,
I am so thankful for your kindness and care for my companion and friend. He was not just an ordinary pet he was an extraordinary, local, gentle sweet service dog who helped me with balance and support for almost six years. Thank you for helping us have him close by.
July 28, 2018