Burton Edward (Captain) Genung |
| Posted 2008-11-30 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona Sunday, November 13, 2005 Burton Edward Genung died peacefully in his sleep in Sacramento, Calif. on October 14, 2005, after a three-year struggle with congestive heart failure. He was 91. Burton was born prematurely, weighing less than two pounds, on May 22, 1914. He was the surviving member of a set of twins born to Dan Baldwin Genung and Kathleen Burton Farrell in the desert mining camp of Stanton, Ariz., where he lived until the age of five when his family moved to his paternal grandparents' ranch in Peeples Valley, Ariz. Later, the family resided at his maternal grandparents' home in Prescott and in several mining camps before moving to Tucson where Burton attended Tucson Union High School and graduated at the top of his class of 400. Burton worked his way through the University of Arizona, graduating in 1939 with a degree in mechanical engineering. His degree was soon put to use in Washington, D.C., where he was a civilian contractor for the Pentagon and where he met his "yellow rose of Texas," Ruby Philena Green, in a former embassy turned boarding house near Dupont Circle. They were married at the nearby Foundry United Methodist Church in 1944, shortly before Burton served in the European theater as a major in Patton's 3rd Army, 3rd Cavalry Group, Mechanized. Burton remained in the Army Reserve after World War II and retired as a full colonel after 30 years of service. After World War II ended, Burton and Ruby began their family in San Francisco where sons, Michael and Timothy were born. Their daughters Sharon and Claudia followed after they bought a house and moved slightly south to Redwood City in 1949. They lived in the same house until moving to Sacramento in 2002. In 1952, Burton and Ruby were founding members of Woodside Road United Methodist Church, where they remained actively involved until their move to Sacramento. Burton leaves behind many dear friends in the Woodside church family, most especially Walter and Jane Day, and Roger and Muriel Willey, who were such a great source of support during his last few years in Redwood City. Burton is survived by his wife, Ruby; his children, Michael Burton (Alexis) of Sacramento; Timothy Edward (Janet) of Elko, Nev.; Sharon Louise and adopted daughter Jacklyn Ross Butcher of Santa Barbara; Claudia Kathleen Genung-Yamamoto (Toshi) of Tokyo, Japan; and his grandchildren, April Athena Genung Hockaday (Joshua) of Los Angeles; Joseph Green (Kelly) of Reno, Nev.; Christopher Edward of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Kai Gabriel and Koh Michael Yamamoto of Tokyo. He is also survived by his younger brothers, Dan Baldwin Jr. (Frances) of Claremont, Calif. and George Farrell of Tucson, Ariz., who will deeply miss the man they looked up to and called "Captain." A sister, Frances Kathleen, preceded Burton in death in 1958. Burton will be remembered by all for his leadership, hard work, generous spirit, and intelligence. He worked tirelessly at his home and church making repairs and improvements, and doing yard work. His children will especially remember his devotion to family, long hikes on camping trips, visits to museums, and help with homework. There never was a time when Burton did not offer assistance to others and remain appreciative of those helping him, often thanking his nurses for caring for him. We will continue to do what you so often told us, Dad, using you as our role model, "Just do the best you can and keep everlastingly at it." We love you. Burton's remains will be cremated and interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. A gathering for a celebration of Burton's life will be held in the Gold Star Room at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City, on November 12, 2005, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. Burton lived his life committed to ending hunger in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Donations in his name may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) through Woodside Road United Methodist Church at 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City, Calif., 94061. Burton spoke recently of his spirit being released to fly over his favorite places the saguaro cacti in southern Arizona, the ponderosa pines in northern Arizona, and the redwood forests of northern California. You are free now to soar over all you loved, Dad. Enjoy! |
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