Monte "Mont" Elloyd Burton passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of faith, laughter, hard work, and unconditional love.

Mont was born October 24, 1936, in Burbank, California, to Elloyd Betenson Burton and Emma Cox Burton. His mother proudly boasted he was voted “Burbank's Most Beautiful Baby” in a two-day contest. He was the only baby that never cried and who smiled the entire time. Although born in California, Mont was raised primarily in St. George, Utah, where he developed a deep love for family, community, and the beautiful red rock country and mountains he would always call home. He graduated from Dixie High School and attended Dixie College, carrying the friendships and values he gained there throughout his life.

On October 5, 1956, Mont married the love of his life, Julia "Veon" Young, in Kanab, Utah. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 12, 1958. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and devotion. They raised their family on the Black "D" Hill in sunny St. George, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Mont proudly served in the artillery unit of the National Guard with his Sandtown buddies. He was also a respected businessman who got his start in the service station business at McCord Oil in St. George. He owned and operated Mont's Texaco and Ryder Truck Rentals, later transitioning to Budget Truck Rentals. Beyond building successful businesses, Mont built people. He gave countless young men their first opportunities to work, learn responsibility, and develop confidence—lessons many carried with them throughout their lives. He believed in people, encouraged them to work hard, and inspired them to become their best. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club, was an avid golfer, and was a huge supporter of Dixie College’s football and basketball programs, as well as a longtime member of the Dixie Colonels. He loved and truly lived his religion and held many positions over the years in the St George 1st Ward and the Pine Valley Summer Branch. He and Veon served as missionaries and loved working with the people of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes.

Mont was known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and legendary one-liners affectionately known as "Montisms" and the numerous pranks he delighted in playing on those he loved. One of his favorite sayings was, "Don't forget to laugh at yourself." He lived those words daily. He never met a stranger—he considered everyone his friend. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Mont and Veon cherished their summers in Pine Valley. Some of their happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and nature, especially after the work was finished and they could sit together and enjoy the beauty around them.

The passing of his beloved Veon on July 23, 2007, left a tremendous void in his heart. After years of searching for companionship, Mont was blessed to meet Joan VanSetters. They were married on September 19, 2015, and shared many wonderful years filled with friendship, laughter, adventure, and companionship. Their families find comfort knowing their love endures beyond this life and that they will see one another again as forever friends.

Mont is survived by his wife, Joan VanSetters; his children, Becky (Kalvin) Bowler, Julie (Menzies “Mac”) Macfarlane, and Greg Burton (Ryan Burrows); Joan’s children, Kevin (Tracey) Parr, Mat Parr, and Kelly Bawden; his grandchildren, Aron, Kern, Crystal, Nick, Michelle, Nikki, and Meb; numerous great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren with more on the way, and his four-legged constant companion, Sugar. His posterity was one of his greatest joys and proudest accomplishments.

Above all else, Mont was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- and great-great-grandfather, and friend. He never missed an opportunity to tell those he loved how much they meant to him. His kindness, faith, humor, wisdom, and example touched countless lives and will continue to inspire generations to come.

While his family mourns his passing, they find peace in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved Veon, grandson Josh, and many cherished family members and friends who preceded him in death. We can only imagine the joyful reunion that took place as he was welcomed home.

A life so full of love leaves an enduring legacy. Mont will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved—until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with Military Honors to follow, at Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Friday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Pine Valley Cemetery, Pine Valley, Utah.