Duane Smedley Burton, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on September 15, 2026, surrounded by more love than a single room could hold.

A lifelong resident of Syracuse, Utah, Duane was born on June 2, 1940, as the oldest son of Wayne Burton and Ila (Smedley) Burton. He was joined several years later by a loving younger sister, Janae, who was his childhood partner in crime. Raised by a master gardener and master seamstress, the two siblings lived a life full of love, learning, and laughter that created an unbreakable bond they carried into adulthood. We are confident their heavenly family reunion was long awaited and beautiful.

In his youth, Duane was an adventurer who explored all things outdoors. He excelled in fishing, hunting, and camping. As a decorated Eagle Scout, there wasn’t an animal he didn’t love, plant he couldn’t grow, gun he couldn’t shoot, or morning sunrise he didn’t appreciate. His love and adoration for God’s creations was the catalyst to his many passions. As he grew, his talents, knowledge, and training made him a true jack-of-all-trades. He was a skilled taxidermist and avid birdwatcher. He cataloged thousands of bird sightings and never ceased to amaze us with his incredible eye for the sky.

Duane graduated from Davis High School in 1958. A couple years later, in 1960, Duane was called to serve in the Southern Australia LDS mission. He had the privilege of serving with Elder Bruce R. McConkie during his time in The Land Down Under. It was a mission highlight he recounted often. He never forgot to add in a couple kangaroo tales too – just to make sure it was exciting enough. His charisma and true love for sharing the gospel shed light to all those he served in his precious Outback.

Returning home from his mission, Duane went in fast pursuit to find the girl of his dreams. He met and fell for the lovely Nancy Madsen while on a trip to Rigby, Idaho with cousins. Their courtship was a long-distance whirlwind complete with bus rides and lots of phone calls. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 31, 1963. During their 63 years together, Nancy filled Duane’s earthly life with delicious food, beautiful music, and infinite love. She is his kind of gal.

Duane’s vibrant personality and knack for seeing the good in everyone made him a magnet for friends and acquaintances. He used this talent in his professional career as a 6th grade teacher, successful salesman at RC Willey, and revered member of the Wasatch Audubon Society. He cherished each friendship and was grateful for a community of trusted friends who extended their support and love over the years.

As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Duane had a firm testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ and the power of His Atonement. He was a stalwart reader of the Book of Mormon and faithful holder of the Priesthood. He believed in eternal families and never turned down an opportunity to serve. He held and magnified many church callings, but his favorites included Scoutmaster, Activity Days Leader, Primary Teacher, and Bishop. During his tenure as Bishop Burton, he took seriously the charge to love and care for his neighbors, becoming a beloved leader of their Ward family. Duane’s gift for service led him and Nancy to later serve together as Temple Workers in the Ogden Temple. Their time serving together in the temple was characterized by spiritual experiences, unforgettable memories, and even more friendships. We have no doubt that his shoulder is already to the wheel in heaven.

Above all, Duane was a devoted family man. Firm and constant, his unwavering loyalty to Nancy and their family withstood the test of time as they raised their seven children. He treasured his six beautiful girls and his beloved son. As his family grew, each new baby was welcomed with loving arms, a gentle whisper, and their own special nickname. The bigger his family, the better. Times weren’t always easy, but his family filled his life with immeasurable joy. He loved us “hard as a rock” and never let us forget it.

Duane is survived by his loving eternal companion, Nancy; Nancy’s sister, Margo (Bryan) Dansie of Rigby, Idaho; Seven children: Cindy (Bryan Wendt) Walker of Clinton, Utah; Jackie (Bryce) Southworth of Syracuse, Utah; Sue (Kevin) Cook of Hooper, Utah; Rob Burton of Ammon, Idaho; Shelly (Jon) Beesley of Plain City, Utah; Ann (Chris) Stark of Farr West, Utah; Mandy (Tres) Cosper of West Point, Utah; and daughter-in-law Jenn Burton of Hooper, Utah. He is also proudly survived by a posterity of 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, with one sweet, great grandbaby on her way – and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Janae Bair; brother-in-law Doug Bair; father and mother-in-law Bob and Betty Madsen; sister-in-law Georgia Smith; and niece Rebecca Bair.

Our family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Layne Barker, Kylee Larsen, and the Elevation Hospice Team for their exemplary care. Our sincere appreciation to CNA Danny for his loving attention and almost daily visits with our gentle giant. We are forever grateful for your kindness and Christlike charity.

It is with gratitude in our hearts that we honor Duane’s faithful example as our hero, exemplar, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and humble disciple of Jesus Christ. He leaves a legacy of teaching, leading, and guiding that has had a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to find themselves in his company.

We will see him in every bird, every night sky, every trout in the stream, every wink across the room, every raspberry shake, every birthday call, and every pair of cut-off cowboy boots. How lucky are we to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. Until we meet again, Grandpa.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse South Stake Center, 2024 South 1475 West. Friends may visit with family on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist Syracuse Mortuary, and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment: Syracuse City Cemetery.