On December 18 , 1962, Jerry was born in Auburn.  Through the years he was nurtured by his foster parents.  His final two years under foster care, he resided in the home of  Butch and Susie Dieringer.  During this time he learned some basic skills of carpentry from Butch who was a craftsman.  With a home filled with love and joy and the desire to share the lives of a  a trio of children, Harold and Elaine Morgan Burton adopted  Jerry Edward Burton at age 14 along with Tiffany  and Don.

In 1982, as a proud Cavalier, Jerry graduated from Culver Community High School.  He was very active in the Future Farmers  of America during his high school years.  During his teen years he grew spiritually while attending Whippoorwill Church with his family.

Following  high school,  patriotism beckoned and Jerry answered the call serving with the United States Army.

On November 3 , 1984, Jerry and Katharine "Kathy"  Jenkinson were united in holy matrimony at the Whippoorwill Church by Pastor Mayhew.   Together they enjoyed more than 31 years of life's adventures.  From their union came three beautiful daughters.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two wonderful grandchildren, along  with the anticipation of the arrival of a new grandson in early June.

With a strong work ethic, Jerry was accomplished possessing a vast arsenal of skills.  He worked for Indiana Tool in Plymouth, Pike Lumber in Akron and Medallion Cabinets in Culver.  More recently it was Fulton Industries.  Jerry just eclipsed his two year anniversary with Winamac Coil and Spring in Kewanna.    He enjoyed assisting his father-in-law,  Al,  with the Jenkinson tree removal and trimming business.

Blessed with an eye for design, Jerry owned his residential construction company, Home Craftsman, building custom homes, designing remodel projects and  making repairs for many years.  The craftsmanship exhibited on the finished project whether it be a wheelchair ramp to a custom home, was second to none.   Kathy accompanied him to the project sites creating photo essays of the project in progress from start to finish and all construction phases.

The 3 o'clock afternoon hour beckoned Jerry and his coffee buddies to the L & B Country Oasis in Delong.  It was here each day that he met with friends to catch up on the latest local news, while solving the world's problems.  He also enjoyed the sport of target shooting.  This allowed him to use the acquired skill from his  army days known for his marksmanship as a sniper.  He also loved going to auctions and finding success with  snaring the bargain of the day.

Paramount in Jerry's life was his family.  He was known for his work ethic, provided for them and was there always to share wisdom and  his emotional support.  Known as "Jerry Bear,"  to his wife Kathy an annual Valentine's Day gift from him was a special cuddly bear.  A term of endearment he used frequently for Kathy was his "old lady," because she edged him by  about 18 months in the chronology department.  They were inseparable,  a dynamic team always together sharing adventures in life for more than three decades.

As an active hands-on Dad, Jerry was there for his daughters.  He helped them with their homes making repairs and improvements, while insisting on their active involvement to learn the basics of carpentry.  He also taught them many of life's lessons and helped them acquire financial skills necessary for success.  He adored his grandchildren and looked forward to their visits, making special memories.  Papa shared his love of carpentry with Aliyah.  She was his shadow always helping him fix things, working on  the task of the day. When the project was complete Papa always paid her for her help.

Left to cherish Jerry's memory are his wife, Kathy; two daughters: Melissa Burton and her fiancee' Nathen Minix of Rochester, Christy Burton Hornburger  and husband Jimmy of Leiter's Ford; a sister, Tiffany Simonin of  Kewanna; a brother, Don Burton and wife Melinda of Rochester; a foster brother, Daniel Dieringer of Ft. Wayne; his foster mother, Susie Dieringer of Huntington; two grandchildren: Caleb Lee Minix and Aliyah Lynn Hornburger;  in-laws Al and Judy Jenkinson of Kewanna; brother-in-laws Doug Jenkinson of Rochester, Mike and Susie Jenkinson, and Danny and Angel Jenkinson all of Leiter's Ford; special family friend Samantha Flores Medina and husband Josh of Winamac, and their children Aliana Donderiz and Alex Chapman;  spiritual parents Jim and Janet Dills, Plymouth; spiritual mother Rebecca "Mom" McCombs of Walkerton;  several cousins, nieces and nephews; and his cherished canine companion, Princess Chi-Chi,  the Blue Chihuahua.

Preceding Jerry in death are his father, Harold Burton on November 10 , 1981; his mother Elaine Burton on March 1 , 2011; an infant daughter, Alisha Lynn Burton on June 7 , 1985; and his foster father Butch Dieringer.