Joe Burton

   After fighting a courageous battle with cancer, Chief Joe Burton, age 42, of Archer City, Texas was cured on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2015 in Hospice of Wichita Falls. Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2015, at the First Baptist Church of Archer City.
   Joe was born Nov. 8, 1972 in San Diego, Calif. to Thomas Allen Burton and Charlene May Meeks Burton.
   He attended Vernon College where he received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.  He then attended the Police Academy in Vernon.  He was employed by the Montague County Sheriff’s Department, the Vernon Police Department and the Electra Police Department before becoming the Chief of Police for the Archer City Police Department in May 2009.  Joe was very passionate about his work and keeping his community safe and sound even until his last days.
   He and Misti Berend were married Dec. 31, 2013 in Eureka Springs, Ark.
   Joe was a member of the Blue Knights.  His favorite past times were shooting, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends.
   Survivors include his wife, Misti Burton of Archer City; one daughter, Brynn Shannon Burton of Archer City; two step-sons, Tanner Aldridge of Weatherford, Texas, and John Berend and wife, Samantha of Iowa Park; one grandson, Adam Braxton Berend of Iowa Park; his mother, Charlene Burton of Archer City; his father, Tom Burton and wife, Charlotte of Pottsboro; his grandmother, Jean Burton of Archer City; four sisters, Jerene Gianni of Seattle, Washington, Joelle Freitas of Sacrament, California, Janell Burton of Pottsboro, and Jean Burton of Olney; and numerous nieces and nephews.
   Joe was preceded in death by his grandfather, L.C. Burton and Charlie Meeks.
   Honorary pallbearers were Matt England, Johnny Morris, Bob Mitchell, Jeff Owens, B.J. Parr, and Justin Perron.
   The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310, the Archer City Ambulance, P.O. Box 367, Archer City, Texas 76351 or the Archer City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 367, Archer City, Texas 76351.