Mr. Martin Burton, 74, of Covington passed away Friday, March 13, 2015.  He was born March 31, 1940 in Lynch Station, Virginia to Charles Harrison and Jenny Hargis Burton who have preceded him in death.  Mr. Burton was a graduate of the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  He married Jean Brown on December 21, 1963.  He worked for and retired from Hercules, a career spanning thirty years.  On the first Sunday that Martin and Jean lived in Covington they visited the First Baptist Church and instantly knew they had found a church home.  With his membership now in its fortieth year Mr. Burton has served on numerous committees, sang in the church choir and served as a deacon.  He also served as the chairman of the building and grounds committee and served on the construction committee where he over saw a number of projects.  He was preceded in death by his sister Eugenia Young.

Mr. Burton is survived by his wife of 51 years Jean Brown Burton, his children Jeannine B. Kay (Mike) of Zionsville, IN and Jonathan Burton of Porterdale, GA his grandchildren; Crews Kay, McKinley Kay and Mason Kay along with his sister Rachel Justice of Hickory, NC and his nephews; Larry Justice and Charles Michael Justice and his niece Donna Justice.  He is also survived by numerous other family and close friends including his First Baptist family.

Funeral services for Mr. Burton will be held at 11 o’clock Monday, March 16, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Covington, with his remains being placed in state at 10 o’clock, Reverend Cody McNutt, Reverend Eric Brown and Reverend Charles Reynolds officiating.  The family will receive friends at the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Covington from 2pm until 4pm on Sunday, March 15, 2015.  In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Croom Scholarship Fund at the First Baptist Church of Covington, 1139 Usher Street, Covington, GA 30014.  Mr. Burton will be buried at 11 o’clock Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Phenix, Virginia.  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, 110 H Street, Keysville, VA 23947 will be in charge of arrangements in Virginia and J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East Street, S.E., Covington, GA 30014, 770-786-2524 is in charge of the arrangements in Covington.  A register book may be signed on line at www.harwellfuneralhome.com .