Deacon Melvin Burton

Deacon Melvin Burton, 75, of Columbia, SC, passed away on December 31, 2021. Born on September 4, 1946, he was the son of the late Reverend Eddie L. Burton Sr. & Louise Burton of Columbia, SC. Melvin attended public school in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Hopkins High School. He was the oldest of nine. Melvin joined the United States Army in 1967,and retired after twenty years in the military. While in the military, he earned Vietnam service medals with two bronze service stars, amongst several other honors. After retirement, he went on to work for Veteran Affairs from 1987 until he was medically retired. Melvin was a Deacon of New Hope Deliverance Ministries, where he served faithfully until his illness. He loved the Lord. Melvin also loved watching NFL football and old western movies in his leisure time. Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Mary Burton; five children: Curtis L. Burton (Latoya), Lawanika N. Gordon (John), Melvin D. Burton (Stephanie), Ashanda T. Heyward, and Lamonika M. Wilson; nineteen grands; and twenty-one great-grands. He also leaves behind his mother, Mrs. Louise Burton; eight siblings: Deacon Eddie L. Burton Jr. (Doris) of Columbia, Stanley L. Burton (Ann) of Columbia, Ronald L. Burton (Sandra) of VA, Jerry Burton of Columbia, Laurina Nowell of Hopkins, Lula Stroman of Columbia, Dale Stocker (Willie) of Columbia, and Christina Beck of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Bush, Veronica Golston, and Mae Golston. He was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Eddie L. Burton Sr.; and a host of relatives and friends. A visitation will be held from 1:30-7:00pm on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC. A Homegoing Service is scheduled for 12:00pm on Monday, January 10, 2022 in the funeral home Chapel. To view the Homegoing Service, please click here or use the following link at the time of service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2940037170 Burial will take place afterwards at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229. To view the burial, please click here or use the following link at the time of service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8027054801