Joseph Leroy Burton, Sr., the son of the late Walter and Catherine Burton, was born on November 3, 1936 in Washington, D.C. He departed this life and entered into a place of eternal rest on Saturday, September 12, 2009.

Joe, as he was known to family and friends, was educated in the D.C. and Maryland public school systems.

On April 22, 1961 he was united in marriage to his beautiful bride, Brenda Marie Estep. Through this union they gave birth to three wonderful children, Victoria "Vicky", Joseph Jr. "Jo-Jo" and Charles "Chuck".

Joe had many skills and talents. He was especially known to many for his carpentry skills. Joe assisted in the constructing of many commercial buildings in the Washington Metropolitan Area, as well as many residential projects.

In November 1991, Joe retired from the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, Maryland after many years of employment. After his retirement he worked at the St. Charles Bowling Alley in Waldorf, Maryland. He later assisted his daughter Vicky and Floyd Proctor, a good friend of the family, at Pennie's Tavern in Indian Head which he considered his favorite place of employment.

Joe was an avid bowler, card player, pool shooter and trash talker. He was known for keeping the conversation interesting.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Catherine Burton; three sons, Joseph Jr., and Charles Burton, and Rodney Lewis; a daughter, Sovell Sturdevant; two grand-daughters, Shermica and Allendra Burton and one grand-son, Addesah Janifer.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories a loving and supportive wife, Brenda M. Burton; his daughter, Victoria Burton; one son, James "Coco" Janifer; one sister, Theresa Burton; grand-children, Joseph III, Dania, Britney and Briana Burton, Kelvin Alexander, Sherell Proctor, Aaron Jones, Breon Burton and Bartholomew Whitlock; sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Estep and Velma Smith; brother-in-law, William "Gonnie" Smith; and many relatives and friends.

His Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, September 18, 2009 at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pomfret, Maryland. His Interment was with Military Honors provided by the Navy in the Church Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A. in Indian Head, Maryland.