Joseph E. Burton, 87, of Lompoc, passed away February 15, 2020. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School with an Airplane Maintenance Diploma, then joined the Air Force in 1950. After his military career he continued to work in the aerospace industry until retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Annette Burton, of Philadelphia and his daughter in law, Julie Burton, of Camarillo, California. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lillie Burton, his brother Alfred (Bernie) and nephew Bud Burton of Philadelphia, his 3 children, Richard Burton of Camarillo, Warren (Debbie) Burton of Santa Maria, Sheryl (Lew) Aldridge of Lompoc; his 6 grandchildren, Amber, Michael (Jamie), Ryan, Jeffrey (Annalise), Bianca, Sophia, and his 4 great grandchildren, Austyn, Micaiah, North and Suunamun.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 6, 2020, at 11am at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A gathering will be held at Mi Amore in Lompoc immediately following the graveside.