Charles "Sonny" Henry Burton, age 70, passed away with his daughters, Minnie and Connie by his side at his daughter's home in Windsor on Tuesday, November 14, 2006.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles William Burton and his mother, Minnie (Peeters) Burton.

Sonny lived most of his life in the Westford area. He was born in Westford, and grew up on the Burton farm with his two brothers.

He served in the United States Army at the end of the Korean Conflict and was a Superintendent of Lancaster Construction until his retirement. He was a long time member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his five daughters and son-in-law, Minnie Keehle and Richard of Windsor, Connie Burton of Windsor, Pamela Bradley of Schenectady, Lisa Hale of Binghamton and Corinna Reynolds of Sharon Springs; one son, Charles Robert Burton and fiancée, Theresa Kelone of Sharon Springs; nine grandsons, Rich Keehle, Jr. and wife, Susan of Corbettsville, Harry Hults IV of Portlandville, Joseph Ruffino, III of Oneonta, Christopher Brown of Schenevus, Brandon Bradley of Schenectady, Nathaniel McCarthy of Mount Airy, NC, Carl James Reynolds, Jr., Blade Schrader, Charles Ryan Burton of Sharon Springs; six granddaughters, Sabrina Hults of Windsor, Cassandra Brown of Schenevus, Alicia Reynolds, Kimberly Schrader, Jenna Schrader and Chelsea Burton of Sharon Springs; one great-grandson, Tyler Triolo of Windsor; two brothers, and sisters-in-law, Henry (Myrna) Burton and Leslie (Rocheal) Burton of Westford. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; a special friend who helped Sonny during his illness, Ron Hojsik, Binghamton.

Sonny was an incredible athlete. He acquired several nicknames, "Lonnie, Bird Man, Birdie and Sonny." Furthermore, Sonny was a remarkable bowler. He was a semi-pro bowler and won numerous tournaments. He also enjoyed the game of golf and was a member of the Ouleout Creek Golf Club. Sonny loved to bet on the horses and his favorite football team, The Dallas Cowboys. Today, The Dallas Cowboys lost a true fan. His compassion for hunting "Bird Man Style" will be missed by all of his hunting buddies.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2006 at the Heller Funeral Home, Schenevus.

The family will again receive friends from 10 a.m. to the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 17, at the Westford United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Beverly Furey, pastor, officiating.

Interment with military honors will take place at the Westford Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905-9968 or to the United Methodist Church, Westford, NY 13488.

The family would like to thank Lourdes Hospice RN Cindy Felice-Glowacki, Aide Cindy Katen, for all the love and care they gave to dad during his time of illness.

The Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus, is serving the family. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.hellerfuneralhome.com

God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not meant to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered come to me. With tearful eyes we watched, as we saw you pass away. Although we love you deeply, we could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us…He only take the best. R.I.P. Dad. We love you.