Burton Kraft Phillips, 71, of St. George, Utah, and formerly of Tetonia, Idaho, passed away on December 16, 2015, in his home surrounded by family.

Burton was born in Driggs, Idaho, to Edwin Max and Elizabeth Kraft Phillips. He received schooling in Rexburg, Idaho, where he first met Kathleen Bowen, who would become his wife. After graduating from Madison High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served four years as a radar technician at Otis Air Force Base near Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Upon completing his military service, Burton returned to the family farm in Tetonia. In 1972, he married Kathy. Together they raised and loved four children and four grandchildren. Burton took pride in working his beloved land in Teton Valley. He also served as a Teton County Commissioner and for more than a decade as a Member of the Board of Directors for Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative. He dedicated his time to serving his family, his neighbors, and his friends.

In 2005, the couple retired in St. George, Utah, where Burton continued to live life to the fullest and enjoyed time with his family and friends. He made his new home a happy place and welcomed everyone who came.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy; children David (Christy), Allison, Cherise, and Whitney; grandchildren Bryce, Dallas, Sydney, and Austin; and sisters Pat, Evelyn, Kathleen, and Gail. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jenny.

Burton will be brought home to Idaho for funeral services and burial. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23 in the Tetonia LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. both times at the chapel. Burton will be laid to rest next to his grandparents, parents, and sister at Cache Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia.