Michael Otto Burton

Michael Otto Burton, 81, originally of Roy, Utah, died in El Paso, TX on January 3, 2024.

He was born in Ogden, Utah in 1942 to Col. Francis C. Burton and O’Etta Carr Burton, and raised in Roy, Utah. Following his graduation from Weber County High School in 1960, Michael participated in an LDS Mission in Denmark from 1961-1963.  Following his mission, he served in the Army Reserves from 1964-1970, and graduated with a BS in Banking and Finance from Weber State College (later University) in 1969. 

Michael worked for a number of banking institutions across California and Texas, the FDIC, and retired from banking following a 25-year career as a banking trouble-shooter and loan administrator. Following his departure from banking, Michael worked in business administration at Chico Arts in El Paso, Texas; and at International Armoring Corporation in Ogden, Utah. 

While living in Los Angeles, California, Michael met the love of his life, Arda Babigian. They married in 1971 at the St. James Armenian Apostolic Church of Los Angeles. They were then sealed in the Ogden Temple in 1973. They remained married until her death in 1998. 

A life-long, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Michael served the church in many capacities over his life including as ward clerk in several of the wards where he counted membership, and as Bishop of the 9th Ward of El Paso, TX from 1977-1980.

Michael’s hobbies included ballroom dance and stamp collecting; and he devoted his later years to genealogy, assisting in the church’s Family History Center. 

Michael was preceded in death by wife, Madelane Arda Burton; and parents, Francis C. and O’Etta Carr Burton. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Burton (Justin Leeah); grandchildren Michael Salcido and Ariel Leeah; sister Kathie Hansen; and brothers Francis C. Burton, Jr. (Helen Burton deceased, Joy Burton), Robert Burton (Kathy Burton), and Richard Burton (Paula Burton).

Michael’s memorial will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, located at 7315 Bishop Flores Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. Memorial services will be live streamed on Facebook at the link provided https://www.facebook.com/sunsetfuneralhome/. Graveside services will take place at Roy City Cemetery, Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:00 am. 

Donations to The Assistance Fund (tafcares.org) would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers. The Assistance Fund’s mission is to provide people living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases access to critical treatment through financial assistance, education, and advocacy.