Claude Burton II

Claude Burton II, the eldest of two sons, was born on March 1,
1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to the union of Eloise Burton and Claude
Burton, Sr. Claude made his transition on July 15, 2013 after a long
illness. Both parents and his brother, Eric, preceded him in death.
Claude graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit,
Michigan. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Wayne State
University in Detroit, Michigan, majoring in Personnel and Labor
Relations.

Claude was employed at SEMTA (SMART), Ford Motor
Company and finally, the City of Detroit. He retired from the City in
2008 from the position of Human Resources Manager after 28 years
of service.

Claude was married twice: to Joyce Martin, with whom he had a
son, Todd, born in 1971, and to Angela Johnson. After the dissolutions
of the marriages, he remained close friends with both women.
Claude accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early
age, and as an adult became a member of Word of Faith International
Christian Center. He was very active in the church, serving in the choir
and the 24 hour prayer line. He also acted in a few Christmas plays,
which he enjoyed greatly.

Claude will be best remembered for his joyful, loving, generous,
dynamic soul, and his unconditional love of his family and friends. He
saw the best in everyone and never met a stranger. If you were having
a bad day, Claude could turn it around in an instant with his dazzling
smile, funny faces, and downright silliness. You were likely to be
greeted by Claude with the nonsensical: "Fluegamahgen in the water
near the lake where you live!" Claude also knew just when to hold your
hands and pray with you.

Claude enjoyed golf, photography, painting and woodworking,
and could repair just about anything. He was a member of the Detroit
Institute of Arts. He visited frequently and often attended the Friday
Night Live concerts. Claude loved "hanging out" at the homes of family
and friends and was always a welcomed guest.

Claude had boundless energy and was very often just "putzing"
around his house, or putzing around town in his truck, making numerous
stops to shop or just look around.

Claude loved animals and nature and owned pets almost
continuously. He was an excellent dancer and earned the nickname
"Bop." He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Claude leaves to mourn his passing: his devoted son, Todd; his
devoted friend of 35 years, Leslie Shaw; the entire Shaw family, whom
he adopted as his own; great and longtime friend, Walter Teamer; and
a vast number of relatives and friends who loved him dearly and will
miss him greatly.