Freiler Ray Burton

Freiler Ray Burton, also known as beloved Husband, Dad, Granddad, Big Brother, Loyal friend, Boss, Coworker, and Air Force Soldier, was born on May 17, 1942, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. On January 3, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, God called His faithful servant and soldier home, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, compassion, and loyalty.

Mr. Burton and his bride, Verlie, recently celebrated 64 years of marriage on December 24, 2024. Their love story began during their high school years when they met as children in a neighborhood in Louisiana. They were truly childhood sweethearts who grew into adults together. *Talk about true love!

Mr. Burton enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962 and completed 30 years of continuous active duty service. He retired in 1990 as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank, earning numerous prestigious awards and medals. These included the Bronze Star Medal with valor and an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, among many others. His dedication to excellence was guided by his own words: “Work hard to be the best at whatever you commit to do. Give your word and stick to it.”

Over the course of their lives, they successfully relocated to 13 different military bases, serving their country and community and building their family and legacy along the way. Making their love stronger and stronger each step of the way and sharing that love with strangers they met. 

While serving in the Air Force, Mr. Burton pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University and a dual Master of Arts in Human Resources Development and Management from Webster University. His commitment to lifelong learning extended beyond his military career, as he went on to teach HR courses as a professor at National American University (NAU).

But he wasn’t done yet. He served an additional 35 years at Kirtland Air Force Base. Starting as Club Manager for the 1606th Services Squadron, he progressed to Family Support Center Technician and Specialist roles, ultimately retiring in 2025 as Chief of the Airman and Family Readiness Flight. 

And if that wasn’t enough, Mr. Burton also served on the Board of Directors for Sandia Area Federal Credit Union and was a faithful member of the Kirtland AFB Chapel.

Mr. Burton and Verlie raised a loving family through his life journey, including five children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His children are Leila R. Burton (Anthony Whitmore), Nina R. Burton (Eric Brotherton), Eurvenia R. Becknell (Charles Becknell, Jr.), Dawn R. Burton, and Freiler R. Burton (Stephanie Burton). His grandchildren are Eurvenia Russell, Whitney Caldwell, Terran and Torri Farrow, Elijah Burton, and Silas and Averie Becknell. His great-grandchildren are Trevion Bell, Jordan Hall, and Jamari Hall.

Dad/Granddad was an active father and grandfather who attended MANY of his legacy’s events: track meets, softball, basketball, football games, dance recitals, cheer competitions, hair shows, dinners, and pep rallies. If he could make it to support you, he was going to be there. And if he couldn’t, he was watching online. 

Freiler Ray Burton moved through his days as a faithful man of God and a gentle (but stern), loving person whom people naturally gravitated towards and wanted to make proud of. His legacy of love, faith, and dedication lives on through his family, friends, and all the lives he touched during his remarkable journey.

Full list of awards and medals while serving the USAF.

 • Bronze Star Medal with valor and One Oak leaf cluster

• Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak leaf clusters

• AF Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters

• AF Achievement Medal

• AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and Four Oak Leaf Clusters

• AF Good Conduct Medal with One Silver and Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

• National Defense Service Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal w/Three Service Stars

• AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon w/One Oak Leaf Cluster

• AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon w/Two Oak Leaf Cluster

• NCO PME Ribbon

• Graduate Ribbon w/One Oak Leaf Cluster

• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

• AF Training Ribbon

• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

• Master Information Management Badge