Garrett Phillip Burton

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Burton,

Garrett Phillip Burton, 16, passed away Saturday August 30, 2008. A student at Westland High School who loved basketball, bowling, swimming and golf. Employed at Krogers on W. Broad St. Garrett loved the Lord and loved to worship Him. He loved to rap and enjoyed all kinds of music. A fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs. Preceded in death by maternal grandfather Charles W. Smith and paternal grandfather George U. Burton Sr. Left to cherish his memory are parents Patti Smith- Burton and George U. Burton Jr.; brothers Georden Patrick and Dorian Burton; maternal grandmother Almeta G. Smith; paternal grandmother Amelia B. Prillerman and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Condolence Messages

  1. The death of your loving son saddens me. As a Grandmother of young children I want to express my sincere sympathy.

    Wherever a beautiful soul has been..
    There is a trail of beautiful Memories

  2. I work with garrett at kroger on the weekends and some time woruld see him in the break work was aways a sweet guy , aways nice and I will miss him so much, Garrett you will be missed so much God Bless You and Your Family

  3. Dear Burton Family,

    Our deepest sympathy to all of you and this tragic death of your son. Our son Joseph Lewis was a classmate of Garretts, they ate lunch together.

    Keep your faith in the great Lord, God Almighty. He will be your strength in this time sadness.

    In loving memory of Garrett,

    The Lewis Family
    Galloway, OH

  4. The Barnhart Family

    Mr. and Mrs. Burton and family,

    You do not know us but we met Mr. Burton when the WHS Track team competed at Africentric back in the spring. We knew your sons to be fine young men. Garrett was always polite when he helped me at Krogers.Our daughter Beth graduated with Geordan and knew Garrett as well.
    We wanted you to know that our hearts are aching right along with yours. We hope in time that you will find some peace, until then please know that we all have you and your families in hearts and prayers.
    Take care of each other.
    Bob, Jane and Beth,Jaclyn, and Logan Barnhart
    WHS Parents

  5. The Kinder Family

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Garrett has toched so many lives. God Bless you, The Kinder Family

  6. Tara (Dawson) Reeves

    We were saddend to hear of the family's loss
    you are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

  7. Burton Family,
    Our hearts and prayers are with you.We remember Garrett as an angel given to all of us.Anyone that was ever around Garrett was touched by him.He always brought joy,smiles and happiness to everyone.We have known Garrett since he was a young boy.What great memories my son Devin has of playing little league football and playing basketball with him.As well as playing at David's house.They remained friends over the years.What an honor to have known Garrett.My daughter Amie worked at Kroger with Garrett and became good friends.What a remarkable soul he is.Rmember that through GOD you will survive.I cannot express enough how much your in our prayers.Take care of each other.
    We miss and love you Garrett
    *message to Garrett from Devin-
    "es; We will play football and basketball again my friend in a better place till then love ya BIG G"es;
    Norris Family

  8. Family of Garrett Phillip Burton

    I am very sorry to read about the passing of your dear loved one Garrett. It seems that life is such a precious gift and yet so short-lived for the time we exist.

    I writing to share a few words of comfort and encouragment from the source of truth the bible.

    Although the deep pain that you as parents feel when you lose a child does not easily disappear, prayer to God and association with true friends will bring real comfort for the grieving.

    God,s word the bible holds out a wonderful hope for all those in the grave. Jesus said at John 11:25:I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE THAT EXERCIES FAITH IN ME,EVEN THOUGH HE DIES,WILL COME TO LIFE."es;

    God,s greatness is evident in the resurrrection of his son Jesus. (John 5-28,29) What a blessed reason to hope in God.

    We have been given a gift of our memories. As you and your's start to heal the memories of Garrett will b ring you great joy.

    Grief is the normal and natural respone to the loss of someone you love. I hope these few words have ligthened your grief strengthened your faith in our heavely father. (Psalms 83-18)

    Sincerly

    M.L.Hurt

  9. Hilltop Community Worship Center

    Dear Burton Family:

    Our prayers go out to you in this time of bereavement. We serve an AWESOME God despite what the enemy does. May God comfort you and may you find joy in the memories of your loved one. God bless!

  10. Richard & Carol (Boling) Short

    George & family,

    We were so sorry to hear about your son being killed in such a brutal and unnecessary way and our hearts grieve for all of you. (I, Carol, worked in Special Duty in the early 90s).

    My husband and I will keep all of you in prayer through the days ahead and may you lean on God for the strength and wisdom to deal with your sons sad and untimely death. Cherish the wonderful times of laughter and love all of you shared and remember ~ Garrett wants all of you to be happy so work to enjoy each day as you heal.

    We will also be praying for the shooter who was so childish and so brutal in the way he dealt with a childish prank ~ it was so uncalled for but even he needs our prayers. I hope all of you can learn forgiveness as time goes on, just as we pray that Jesus will forgive us our sins.

    Philemon 1:3
    Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

    God bless you folks

  11. South & Tarantelli Family

    May God bring peace to your family. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    With Sympathy,
    South and Tarantelli famiy.

  12. Garrett, without a doubt, had an impact on many lives. My daughter, Stephanie and Garrett's good friend and co-worker, Paul Bahen, have told me of so many wonderful accounts of his genuine kindness and his delightful personality. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you feel and no amount of time will ever make it easier to accept this lose of your remarkable child. I can only say, with my deepest sympathy, that I pray for you, daily, to find God’s strength to get through this tragedy. And be assured that Garrett’s memory will be kept alive by all of the people that were truly affected by his grace; the comments from his peers- that may be a source of comfort, to hear of Garrett's liveliness. God Bless you and your family.

  13. Teresa and Don Ploesser Independence Village

    We will never say we know your pain, we are neighbors and are here for you.
    May God wrap you and your family in his arms. What a wonderful blessing to have had him for 16 years.
    Teresa Ploesesr
    Ethan Drive

  14. Jennifer Vaughn (Highland)

    Patti & Family,

    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

    Jennifer Vaughn

  15. Our prayers go out to Mr and Mrs Burton and family. We are deeply saddened. My son, Jochen knew Garret and and we are truly shaken by this.

  16. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to you and your family..My son goes to Westland and its a shame to see a child's life end so early..I must say from seeing the pictures..videos and hearing the stories about him ..He was a real gentleman..A natural light to shine on everyone ..He has shined on me to realize this world is not safe ..Kids will be kids .my kids are no angels and has done the pranks but its just wrong doing for him to go so soon..
    As a mother ..as a person living in the community that has been touched deeply
    I will always have you and your family in my prayers…

  17. Patti sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers. Dick

  18. Darlene Francis & Family

    To The Burton Family:
    You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Be encouraged and be blessed. We pray that God will strengthen your minds and hearts at this difficult time.
    Love,
    Darlene, Chuck, Nathan, and Nathena Francis

  19. George: I don't know if you remember me or not, but I was the secretary in the Homicide Squad at CPD for a long time, and came into contact with you a lot. I am unable to attend the services for you son, but wanted you and Patti to know how deeply saddened I am by this terrible situation. I pray for you and your family, and hope that in some small way that will help. God Bless.

  20. The Jacobs Family

    We are truly sorry for your loss. We didn't know him all that well but have close ties in our family to his brother Georden, and wwe knew they were just alike. Everyone who even seen Garrett could tell that he was a kind and caring person. He was always helpful at work or anywhere else he was. People know him as a gentle giant of the westland area and everyone knows that we need more people like him. He was a great person and may he rest in peace beside god and all the other great people in heaven. May we all hope that we could have lead as good of a life as him. If we all live our lives as he did then may all of us one day be reunited with this great person. We hope that the entire family stays strong through this and keep in mind he is now watching over you.

  21. michelle mcknight

    My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of loss

  22. I just wanted to say I'm so sorry. I didn't personally know Garrett, but I did see him in Kroger and he was always very polite. I lost my son in 2006, he was 20 years old. Time does heal all wounds, and as I can see you already have all th ehelp you need (God and family). Just stay focused on the resurrection hope that God has promised us.

    Agape'
    Tammy Johnson

  23. Gary W. Thomas, President & Just Us MCC

    George and family of Garrett,

    Please accept our condolences on the loss of your son.

    We will keep you and your family in our prayers. God Bless You and may He help get you through this sorrowful time.

  24. Tim Birtcher & Ask powersports

    God bless your family…in this time of need.I personally did not know Garrett, but if he is anything like his dad he must have been a great pearson.

  25. melissa twin sister

    mrs burton my heart goes out to u in your time of lost i know how important your boys r to u rip garrett

  26. To Officer Burton, and Patti…Ann, a former Fairwood teacher and I were greatly saddened by the news of Garrett's passing.
    George…you and I have had many nice discussions about our sons and the trials and tribulations of parenthood. Both my boys want to become officers of the law, and I know that they share in the feeling that justice must be served both swiftly and fairly.
    God will impose His justice. Man can only be
    messengers of His great might.
    We are thinking of you.
    Tom and Ann Kirker Bexley, OH
    Berwick Alt. School
    Eakin Elem. School teachers

  27. Mrs. Lori (Thacker) Guyll

    There are no words to describe the sadness I feel for your loss. I know Garrett and Georden from my time as a teacher at GRI. While it is difficult and seemingly impossible to understand this loss, please know that your son is remembered as a respectful, responsible, beautiful young man. Although his time here may have been breif, his impact will not be brief by any means.

  28. Michael & Sonia Howell

    We are sorry to hear about the loss of your son. We are saddened by this tragedy. God Bless Garrett and Your Family.

    With deepest sympathy,

    Howell Family

  29. James & Ina Davis

    To the Burton Family, Amelia Prillerman & Roland Phillips. Ina and I would like to offer our condolences at this time. In talking with Topper in the past ,We knowed he loved his stepgrandchildren very much and I am sure he will miss Garrett. deeply.
    JIm & Ina Davis

  30. George, words cannot convey my deepest condolences to you and your family. It is unthinkable and too horrific to try and understand how something like this could happen to anyone. You are one of the good guys and I know you will find a way to struggle through this..Take care and let me know if there is anything I can do…you will be in my thoughts and prayers, Shawn Cray

  31. The Mechling Family

    Mr. and Mrs. Burton and Family:
    We are so deeply shocked and disturbed by your son's sudden passing. My kids Josh and Lacie went to school with Garrett. I know that my son has been out doing the same thing at times. As a parent, my heart is breaking for you and your family. You are in my heart and prayers daily. I pray that God will send his angels to carry you through this terrible time and comfort you like no one else can and that justice will be served and whoever did this, pay for their heinous crime.

  32. You do not know me but I read of your tragic loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  33. Jeanita, Helenia, Alaina, and Jr Dukes

    Garrett ,
    the lives of many you have touched, my family and I are just a small fraction of them. You brought the sunshine to all that knew and love you. Your smile will always fill our hearts.
    May God Bless and Keep you George, Patti, and Georden. I know that things look dark now but it is always darkest before the dawn, Trust God and he will make a way out of No Way. We love you guys.

  34. Cookie, Jay, Daphne and Laurie _Grant ER

    George and Family,
    Even though you left Grant many years ago you and your family are still a part of our ER family and have been much in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

  35. Mrs Saunders - Highland Elem

    Patti, I hope you know that I am here for you if you need me. My heart goes out to you and your family. Know that I love you like a sister but GOD loves you best!! Please do not hesitate to call me.

  36. I have a son ready to be fifteen and can only imagine what as parents you are going through, I am so sorry for your loss. My son knows your boys and weight lifted with both of them. He could only talk about what kool guys they are. Again my sympathy is with you and your family.

  37. I will miss you man! rest in peace, always your friend. And you will never be forgotten.

    R.I.P GARRETT BURTON

    A.K.A Big-G

  38. First of all, I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss. His life did not need to be taken away like this. That killer that killed him will be caught and there will be justice. I went to Westland and I was a senior. I graduated this year class of 2008. I just wanted to say that he was a very warm loving person. He will be forever missed and may God bless forever more.

  39. The Rookard Family

    Patti: I want to send me deepest sympathies and love to you and your family. The boys have grown up together and Garrett will be so missed and always remembered and loved. Keep the good times close to your heart, look to God for his almighty strength and always know that we are just a few steps away from your front door should you need anything. You and the family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

  40. Baker-Fuller Family

    Dear Burton Family, I have a daughter and son that also attend WHS. They knew Garrett as so many others described as a terrific friend and great person to be around. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. As you have witnessed our community grieves with you, for you and for our loss. Garrett will truly be missed!

  41. YOU DON'T KNOW ME BUT MY HEART IS
    WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS
    DIFFICULT TIME. REMEMBER HOLD YOUR
    HEAD UP AND GOD WON'T PUT ON YOU
    MORE THAN YOU CAN BEAR.
    DEBRA EVANS.

  42. To the Burton Family:
    We can't imagine what your family is going through right now but we hope it helps to know that people care and are praying for you at this difficult time. (Our daughter Rachel graduated with Georden.)

  43. ambre emory-maier, BalletMet Columbs

    Dear Burton Family:
    We are deeply saddened by your loss.

  44. I am so sorry for Garrett's death on saturday he was an amazing friend to me. We never talked on the phone but everytime we seen eachother at Kroger we always would chat. He was the best of the best and always will be. His family is in our hearts forever and always. I love Garrett Phillip Burton and always will.

  45. Cathy and Gary Lewis

    Patti and George, we are so terribly sorry about Garrett, your son and our cousin. There are no words to express our heartfelt sympathys for our loss. We will continue to keep you in our prayers and pray that the Lord will continue to see you through, this your most trying of times. We love you and we always be here for you. Cathy and Gary

  46. To the Burton family,im so sorry about garrett he was so bright and all ways was happy i dont think i can recall a time when i seen him mad i miss garrett so much as well as you do and i no that its hard but every thing is going to be ok garrett is in a better place and i just wanted to tell you guys that your in my prayers and to be strong and i no that garrett would wat us to be happy

  47. Bob and Darlene Kern

    We are so sorry and hurt for you.

    Our deepest sympathy.

    Bob and Darlene

  48. The Lickliter Family

    Dear Garrett Burton Family:

    Our prayers and sympathy are extended to you during this very shocking and sad time.

    I went shopping at the Kroger today only to learn of Garrett's passing via an obituary posting.

    Lord, whose ways are beyond understanding
    listen to the prayers of your faithful people;
    that those weighed down by grief,
    at the loss of this child, Garrett,
    may find reassurance in your infinite goodness. Amen.

  49. To the Burtons: My Heart goes out to you. You all will be in my prayers. Garrett, My you Rest in Peace. Love you Lil Bro

  50. To The Burton Family:
    My heart goes out to you all, but just remember that it's his memory that will sustain you and a part of him lives in each one of you,share your memories, he will always be just a memory away!!!! God Bless you All~~~~

  51. Dear Garrett (and family),
    We all loved you even the people that didnt know you loved you from WWHS in the mornings you allways wore a smile on your face and you allways made everyone else have a smile on there faces to. You will be missed and remembered forever and i hope you are happy where you are because thats what we all want for you is to just be happy.
    R.I.P. Garrett Burton

  52. the wood family-debra,odell(lubby),jordan(bear)

    patti and jordan:we are so deeply sorry for your loss…garrett was a loss to everyone…he was a little brother to lubby and bear and a heart son to me…he will be truly missed. we have such fond memories of him. if you need anything at any time the boys and i are right around the corner and a phone call away.

    with much love from the bottom of our hearts,
    your sister,debra wood

  53. Garrett phillip Burton was the best the lives of many you have touched, my family and I are just a small fraction of them. You brought the sunshine to all that knew and love you. Your smile will always fill our hearts.

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