Dr. A. Sam Burton, a long time Rolla resident was born to Homer M. Burton and Alcy A. Parmalee Burton on Jan. 12, 1929, in Monett and passed away on Aug. 25, 2022, at his home in Rolla at the age of 93. He is survived by two daughters and sonsin- law; Martha Burton Long and Paul Long of Rolla, and Sally Burton Brock and Robert Brock of Hiram, Ga.; two granddaughters, Stacy Troutt (Brian Mcgrath) and Laura Chatham (Logan Chatham) of Hiram, Ga.; siblings Emma Jean (Bob) McCormick of Monett, Bill (Elsie) Burton of Monett, and Elizabeth (Don) Pennel of Joplin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ethel Caruthers Burton and five siblings.

Sam served in the Army of Occupation of Japan in 1947. With the help of the G.I. Bill, he received a B.S. in Education from SMSU. Continuing his education over the years, he ultimately received a Doctorate in Theories of Counseling from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Sam married Ethel Caruthers on May 29, 1955. By 1964 they moved to Rolla where he went to work for the University of Missouri. He worked in various capacities and received many awards and accolades. He retired from the UMR Counseling Department in 1992 but continued to serve on regional and State Boards including the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Missouri.

While in retirement, Sam enjoyed a host of hobbies, but his favorite was weaving which he started at age 78. Over the next 15 years he became quite the artisan, teaching others, demonstrating, and joining the Weaver’s Guild of South Central Missouri. His last project was an intricately woven gold table runner that was some of his best work. He completed it three weeks before his passing.

Sam will be missed by his family, friends and his dear caregiver Janet Ragan who assisted him in so many ways over the last two years, allowing him to live at home until his passing.

Services for Dr. A. Sam Burton will be conducted on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, with a visitation at 10 a.m. and service immediately following at 11 a.m. at the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla A private family burial will occur later. The Family suggests memorial contributions to The Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri or The Rolla Mission. Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome. com. All arrangements are under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.