Herbert Shields Burson

Herbert Shields Burson of McArthur, Ohio, age 90, passed away April 25, 2013 in Sun City Center, Florida following a short illness. Herbert was born February 10, 1923 in Athens as the son of Lucius C. Burson, Sr. and Mildred Shields Burson. Herbert was preceded in death by brothers Lucius, Jr. (Duke), (Juan), Robert (Linda) and sister Doris Burson.

Mr. Burson was a 1940 graduate of Shade (Ohio) High School and earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from Ohio University. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Marines, 1st Marine Division, 7th Regiment and was deployed to Hawaii, Eniwetok, Saipan, Okinawa, and northern China from 1943-46.

Herbert began a distinguished 35 year career in education in 1950 in the Vinton County school system starting at Allensville schools. During his lengthy career, he taught business commerce courses at Allensville and coached numerous sports teams including basketball, baseball and track. His 1957 Allensville Bombers basketball team completed its regular season with a perfect 19-0 record. Mr. Burson became a school administrator in the mid-1960s serving first as a high school principal and then an assistant county superintendent following a countywide consolidation of schools in 1966. He finished his career from 1980-85 as the Vinton County Schools Superintendent.

Herbert was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of McArthur, a Life member of the Ohio Education Association, a member of the Athens Elks Lodge 973, a past board member of the Jackson Vinton Mental Health Board, and a past president of the Vinton County Retired Teacher’s Association.

Herbert is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Pauline, as well as sons Ronald and Nancy Burson of Gahanna, Ohio and John of Woodbury, Tennessee and daughter Diana and Robert Haman of Dayton, Ohio. Herbert was the proud grandfather of Gregory Haman of Nokomis, Florida; Krista Haman of Dayton; Sarah Haman of Dayton; Andrew Burson of Kent, Ohio and Matthew Burson who passed away unexpectedly in 2012. Herbert is also survived by cousins Joan Ruth of Athens, Andrew Adelmann, Jr. of McArthur and Jane (Adelmann) Sprague of Delaware, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 2 pm at the McArthur Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Elk Cemetery. Military graveside services will be conducted by the McArthur VFW Post #5299.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com