Chad E. Burton, 48, of Danville, departed this earth for his heavenly home on July 19, 2025, at 11:23 PM. Chad was born on December 18, 1976, to Norman and Rita Burton. He attended Daniel Elementary, South View Middle School, and Danville High School, graduating in 1995. After high school, he went on to study at DeVry University and DACC.

 

Chad was baptized at Second Church of Christ in Danville in August of 2013. Kaylee and Michael hosted a family cookout in honor of his baptism afterward. 

 

Chad made many lifelong friends during his school years. Tony Rice, a friend since kindergarten, and Jason Phillips, who could always make him laugh—especially in his lowest moments—were just a few of the many. Throughout his life, Chad continued to form close bonds with coworkers, neighbors, and anyone he met along the way. While he never made a formal list, he knew who his true friends were and treasured each one deeply. To name names would risk leaving someone out—but if you knew Chad, you were on his list. No one was excluded. Family, friends, all of you mattered to him.

 

Chad loved socializing and spending time with his friends and their children. He was always willing to offer advice to teenagers, lend a hand fixing a car, or help however he could.

 

He took pride in his work and was especially proud to serve as a Union Steward for the United Steelworkers Local 975 at Lebanon Seaboard.

 

Chad also had a passion for playing the harmonica. He was incredibly talented, often drawing small crowds who loved listening to him play.

 

In 2021, Chad met the love of his life, Roxanne Harris, and they were married on March 1, 2024.

 

Chad is survived by his beloved son Jacob, his mother Rita Haines and stepfather Bob Haines, his stepmother Kelly Burton, his brother Roy Mike Johnson, his sister Lori and brother-in-law Mark Skoog, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He always said Michael Andrews was his favorite nephew—only because Michael was the first to make Chad an uncle at the young age of 11, something Chad took great pride in. He adored all children, but his nieces and nephews held a very special place in his heart.

 

Chad was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his loving wife Roxanne, his father Norman Burton, his uncle's Hank Burton and Charles Robertson, and his dear friend Jason Phillips.

 

Cremation will be with Watson's Cremation and Funeral services on Greenwood Cemetery Road in Danville, IL