Thomas Burton Jr. passed away on February 11, 2022 after a short illness.

Tom was born December 30, 1933 in Prescott, Arkansas. At a young age, Tom started working with Tennessee Walking Horses with his Father Thomas Burton Sr. at Willow Oaks Stables in Prescott. He then went on to open his own training stables in El Dorado, Arkansas, Springfield, Missouri and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

After a stroke in 2009, he never lost his love for the breed, always streaming the Celebration and other shows and attending local shows as he was able. Tom was a Member of Walking Horse Trainers Association, the Midwest Trainers Association, the Heart of America Walking Horse Association and served on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association in the past as Director from Iowa.

Over the years Tom started, trained, showed many horses that went on to become world champions and top contenders in the show ring. He won three world championship titles at the Celebration in the Grooms class on three different horses.

Tom is survived by wife of 46 years, Gerry. Sons; Toney Burton and wife Patricia, Rossi Burton and his wife Lorraine, Stacey Burton and Micheal Burton and his wife Aimie. Daughters; Deborah Lott and husband David, Gail Marshall and husband Lee, Angela Horton and Sandra Burton. Sister Velma Kidd and brothers Jerry Burton and wife Gail, Terrell Burton and his wife Kelly. Stepson Shawn Carter as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his Parents Tom Sr. and mother Pearl, sisters Idell Van Hook, Frances Watkins and Barbara Burton and Brother Harold Burton.

A memorial Service will be held in Prescott, Arkansas on March 18th at Deann Cemetery.