Chester Randal "Randy" Burton

IN MEMORY OF: Chester Randal “Randy” Burton Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Chester Randal “Randy” Burton, 76, of Cape Girardeau, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023 at Heartland Care and Rehab in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Randy was born July 8, 1947 in East St Louis, Illinois to loving parents Chester Harkness and Ruth Beatrice Burton. Randy was among the first graduating class of Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, Illinois in 1965. After graduating, he followed his love of music and started mixing concert sound for local band The Guild before joining Heil Sound in the early 70’s. As the front of house sound engineer, Randy always had “the best seat in the house” to witness rock history during tours in the states, UK, and Japan with The Who, Humble Pie, and Tommy Bolin. He also did sound for countless others including BB King, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and even Billy Graham. After leaving life on the road, Randy followed his next passion; food. He settled with his family in Miami, Florida and managed hotel restaurants before returning to the Midwest and continuing his career in food services management in Southern Illinois and Missouri. Randy was a loving father with a sense of humor that left others saying “he’s really funny” up until the end. He was always present and cheering at his children’s sports events, horrible band concerts (they got better), and any activity they touched. He was overjoyed to be Papa Randy to his grandchildren and had a smile that filled the room whenever he was around them. He loved dogs; especially beagles, and could always get a leg shake from a belly rub. Randy was also an avid member of Knights of Columbus holding various roles in several chapters. Randy is survived by his children, Cole (Nikki) Burton, and Annie (Elliot) Shearon; grandchildren, Harlow Burton, Lake Burton and Gage Shearon; siblings, Janet (Dennis) Koch, Patti Luck, and Paul Burton; and many nieces and a few nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Mark Burton. At his request, there will be no services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Crain Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Girardeau. Donations may be made to Crown Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Chester Randal "Randy" Burton

July 8, 1947 - November 20, 2023