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
The service could not have been better.
It was an honor to him and to me. The memorial stone was beautiful.
Thank you all.
July 23, 2018
We as a family were very pleased with everything. We did not feel rushed and staff took all the time we need with us.
March 19, 2018
“Mark O. was very respectful, compassionate and efficient. He did a great job not only for the viewing but also for the burial of my mother.” - Charlene
“Everything was perfect – Thanks! – Laurel
October 26, 2019
Peter, Karen and Staff -
I wanted to thank you for all your help, kindness and compassion shown to our family this weekend. You guys are true pros. Thanks again for your simply outstanding service.
January 10, 2019
A note to say thank you for the Christmas Stockings! Our Veterans were touched, pleased and happy!
This was wonderful, thoughtful and very generous of all those who made this event happen.
We want to extend our appreciation to all of you, your thoughtfulness and time has made Christmas special to many Veterans!
April 5, 2018
We want to express our sincere gratitude for the support that all of you provided to our family. We felt that your courtesy and professionalism helped all of us get through the difficult times. God Bless!
December 20, 2017
Thanks to all of you for making the most difficult time in our lives a bit easier.
The home looked beautiful. The newspaper article and picture video was just a great honor to our memories and to our loved one’s Life. The Service was what we wanted to share, thanks for making it happen.
With sincere appreciation.
July 10, 2018
Thank you so much for the lovely remembrance ornament! Our family will cherish it!
January 10, 2019
Just keep doing what you are doing. This is a hard time and Patricia made it very easy on on us! Thank You! – Carrie
07/15/2022
I wanted to thank you for offering and then sending ornaments in memory of my parents. It was a source of comfort in this first Christmas without them.
Thank you again.
April 3, 2018