John Paul Burton

John Paul Burton, age 60, of Knoxville, Tennessee, died on 27 May 2024. He was a loving partner, father, son, brother, and friend

A retired Technical Sergeant E-6 (TSgt), John was born 28 March 1964 in Johnson City, Tennessee, to Annette and Paul Wolford. John started school in Abingdon, Virginia, where he lived with his mother and younger brother, Lewis. They returned to Johnson City where John and Lewis were reared by their mother and adoptive father, Dr. Thomas G. Burton. After graduating from Science Hill High School in 1982, John joined the U.S. Air Force. During his eighteen years in the USAF, John was stationed in England, Ohio, and Alabama. He served as a Medical Administration Craftsman during the Gulf War. John received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Award, and other decorations. During his nine years stationed in England, John married and had two children, James and Ellen. He completed his USAF service in Montgomery where he retired in 2001 as an Air Force recruiter.

Shortly after moving to Knoxville in 2008, John met the love of his life, Carrie Klapperich. They had sixteen beautiful, loving years; together they raised Carrie’s children, Zachary and Jesse. John had the joy and privilege of becoming “PaPa” to Jesse’s children, Cillian and Beck. John received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His Volunteer pride and spirit showed in his passion for UT sports, tailgating, and all things VOLs. John spent over fifteen years at Home Depot as a Pro Desk associate and during the past two years as an estimator with Barger Precast. John loved the Knoxville community and was a strong supporter of local businesses. You could find him regularly raising a pint at some of his favorite places including Elst, Last Days of Autumn, and Nauti K’s. John was a prankster who loved making people laugh. His giant personality and storytelling entertained countless people through the years; and those stories will live on. The loss of his generosity and kindness leaves behind a huge hole in the city he loved.

John was preceded in death by grandparents Carlton and Annette Lowder, and Josephine Senter Wolford, and by stepbrother Michael Burton. He is survived by his partner, Carrie Klapperich of Knoxville; his children James Burton and Ellen Burton of Norwich, Norfolk, England; Zachary (and wife Faye) Klapperich of Los Angeles, and Jesse (and husband Cody) Alford and their two children, Cillian Oisin Alford and William Beckett Alford of Greenback, Tennessee; his mother, Annette Lowder Burton, and stepfather, James Marshall of Oakwood, Georgia; his father, Thomas Burton of Johnson City; his birth father, Dr. Paul Wolford, and stepmother, Pauline Wolford of Knoxville; his brother Lewis (and wife Sarah) Burton of Knoxville, and stepbrother David (and wife Anne) Burton of Lexington, Virginia; his stepsisters Maria (and husband Chris) Hurt and Lisa (and husband Bill) Meidl of Knoxville, and Jane (and husband Brad) Linn of Alpharetta, Georgia. John also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family members, as well as countless friends.

A memorial service will be held at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville on 5 July 2024 at 12:30, and a Celebration of Life will be held at his home on 6 July 2024 starting at 2:00.