Topper was born in Ogden, Utah, on August 24, 1937, to Francis Christian Burton, Sr. and O’Etta Carr Burton and grew up in Ogden and Roy, Utah, graduating from Weber High School in 1955. He earned a degree in experimental biology from the University of Utah and an MD from George Washington School of Medicine in 1965. He completed his internship and general surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and, after a tour of duty in Vietnam, his Plastic Surgery residency at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

In 1957, Topper met Helen Joan Hardy through her mother, and they married in August 1958, later sealing their marriage in the Salt Lake City Temple. They had three children, and as a family, enjoyed many wonderful trips throughout the country including Utah, the Texas coast, and the eastern seaboard from Florida to New England. They later celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Nauvoo, Illinois with their adult children and their families. After Helen’s passing in 2014, Topper married Joy Simmang Gill, and they spent nine years together traveling and spending time with family.

Topper cherished his family’s 100+ year military legacy. Beginning with the Army Reserves in high school, then active duty and later as a physician in the National Guard, he retired as an Army Colonel. During his Vietnam tour in in1970, he served as chief of surgery in Chu Lai, Vietnam, where his acts of valor earned him a Bronze Star with a V for valor. He left full-time military service in 1976 to open his medical practice in San Antonio, Texas, serving his patients and on numerous local, state and national boards for nearly 30 years.

Topper was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved people and served in many capacities, including as a home teacher, Bishop, Regional Representative, counselor in a temple, mission and stake presidency, and as a sealer in the San Antonio Temple. He also received the “Silver Beaver” award for his service with young men.

After retiring in 2004, with Helen, he served as the Medical Director for the Church in Asia, overseeing the medical needs of members and missionaries. After returning to San Antonio, he enjoyed gardening, golf, fly tying, and temple service.

Topper was predeceased by his father (1978), mother (2007), wife Helen (2014), and brother Michael (2024). He is survived by his wife Joy, children Boyd (Cheryl), Mark (Brenda), Teresa (Scott) Hubbard, 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, brothers Robert “Happy” and Richard, sister Kathy, and Joy’s children and grandchildren.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 645 Knights Cross, San Antonio, TX, on July 15, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Fort Sam Houston cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.

Arrangements are with Porter Loring Mortuary North in San Antonio, Texas. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com.