Bobby Burton, a father, a husband and a friend to many passed away at his home on Sept. 26, 2007, at the age of 58.
Burton was introduced to walking horses by George Softly and worked as a groom at the Continental Farm in Louisville, Ky. Burton then moved on to work with Bob McQuerry in Harrodsburg, Ky., before he moved to Snuffy Smith Stables in London, Ky., to train horses more than 30 years ago and was there until his death.
Burton attended his first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in 1968 and had not missed a Celebration until 2007 and he watched many classes on the laptop from his hospital room as he cheered on his friends.
Many talented colts were started by Burton, including World Grand Champion Masquerading and several others that landed in the winner’s circle. Burton was known to put a canter on many horses around his area and had many customers from all over the state.
Friends say that at any given time, Burton could tell you the history of almost any horse and who they were sired and mothered by. When entering the show ring, he could be found wearing the number 30. Burton would tape the number together if need be so to assure he was going to wear that number.
Burton was born on Aug. 21, 1949, in Stanford, Ky. He was the son of the late Delbert and Rosa Mae Baker Burton. He was married to Aline Wesley Burton, who survives him after being his wife for 35 years. He is also survived by two daughters, Tammy Marcum of East Bernstadt, Ky., and Lisa Sams of Berea, Ky., two brothers and three grand children as well as a host of other friends and relatives who mourn his passing.
Even though words cannot describe how much Burton will be missed, the walking horse industry sends their hearts out to his family and he will sadly missed.
Burton rode Midnight’s Lightfoot to many blue ribbons.