Dr. McKay Call Burton

The life of McKay Call Burton began on May 21, 1924 in Afton, WYoming to Thomas Fielding and Alice Maud Burton.  He was the thirteenth and last child born to Thomas and Maud.  he had a happy childhood living on a dairy farm in Afton where he learned the value of hard work and most importantly the joy that come from service to others.  

McKay was academically inclined all through his school years and served as his senior class president at Star Valley High School in 1942.  Later, he attended Brigham Young University [BYU] where he earned his BA in Business and Masters in Audiology.  He continued his education at Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio where he earned his Doctorate in Audiology and Speech Pathology.

McKay joined the US Air force during WWII and served as a radio corp-man flying B-52.  He flew on many important missions during the war and always felt proud to be able to serve his country. 

After his honorable release from the Air Force, he was called to serve a mission in Northern California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for two years. 

McKay met and fell in love with his sweetheart, Rene' Walker in Afton.  They later married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 22, 1950.  At the time of their marriage he was still studying at BYU.  They had two sons during this time in Provo Utah: Kent and Wayne.  

After graduating from BYU, McKay applied and was accepted into Ohio State's graduate program where he studied Audiology and Speech Pathology receiving his Doctorate.  During that time in Columbus Ohio, they added two daughters to their family: JoAnn and Linda Kay. 

Upon graduation from Ohio State, McKay applied for employment with the Veterans Administration [VA] causing the family to again move to Atlanta Georgia.  Two more daughters were added to the family: Tamara [Tammy] Rebecca [Becky].  McKay excelled at his job even while staying busy with a growing family and serving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as Bishop of Atlanta 1st Ward.  

Three years later, the VA Hospital in New Orleans offered McKay the opportunity to become Chief of Staff over the Audiology Department.  New Orleans became their home for the next 30+ years.  Thomas Robert [Bob] was added to the family, (now seven kids in the family) which kept McKay and Rene' busy constantly.  McKay served several times in Jefferson Ward bishoprics and 1st councilor in the New Orleans Stake Presidency.  He was extremely active in the Boy Scouts of America program helping other wards and branches get their scouting programs implemented and active.  He was honored to received the coveted Silver Beaver Award for his untiring service to the entire region.  He and the family remaining at home moved to Albany Louisiana to live on "the farm".  McKay commuted 60 miles one way for many years while he worked in New Orleans and lived in Albany.  Busy but wonderful years. 

After his service to the VA Hospital for 30+ years, McKay retired leaving Albany to move to Atlanta Georgia for the second time.  McKay and Rene's favorite time spent was their service at the LDS Atlanta Temple where he became a Sealer and performed many sacred ordinances sealing families together for the eternities.    

In 1996, McKay and Rene' decided to return West to the land of their roots and ended up in Blackfoot, Idaho.  Many happy productive years were spent in Blackfoot, always helping those he met, even in just casually.  He never asked but always found a way to be of service.  His impact for good was far reaching, touching lives and improving circumstances for all he met.  

McKay's later life, while never forgetting his sweetheart of 60 years who passed away in 2010, always remained cheerful and helpful, which was his gift to others. 

McKay was proceeded in death by beloved wife, Rene' Walker Burton, his mother, Alice Maud Call and father, Thomas Fielding, all of his brothers and sisters, Donald Milton, (son-in-law), Ashly Milton (granddaughter) and most of his friends.  He is survived and leaves a rich legacy to his children: Kent and Debbie Lynn Burton (Tooele, UT), Wayne and Laurie Burton (West Jordan, UT), JoAnn and Marvin Brown (Atlanta, GA), Linda and Andrew Porrazzo (Covington, LA), Tammy Milton (Glouster, MS), Becky and Mike Bowen (Holden, LA) and Bob Burton (Jackson, MI); 27 grandchildren; 84 great grandchildren and; 3 great-great grandchildren.