The following obituaries appeared in the January 17, 2024 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more area obituaries, please visit Schwab Mortuary.
For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.
Kim Burton
Kim Hinck Burton was born on October 14, 1946 in Afton, Wyoming to his parents, Fielding and Laura Burton. Kim is the sixth of nine children. Kim has fond memories growing up on the ranch, milking cows, and hauling hay.
Kim was married to Deanna Lynn Eby on June 25, 1971 in Salt Lake City, Utah and had a daughter, Norann Baler. Following their divorce, Kim married Janis Braegger on July 29, 1979 in Afton, Wyoming and had their sons, David (husband of Camille) and Dustin (husband of Ella) Burton. Kim and Janis ran a floral business and greenhouses that served the Star Valley area. Kim and Janis later divorced. Kim was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Kim owned and operated KB Construction and Landscaping and was always busy in a backhoe or excavator moving dirt or installing irrigation systems. Dustin and David have fond memories working on equipment and jobs with their father. Kim had a love for the mountains and forest and would often drive through the mountains with his children.
Kim passed away from renal failure on January 7, 2024 in his home surrounded by his children. He is survived by his three children – Norann Baler (47), Dustin Burton (43) and David Burton (41) – and his five grandchildren – Breanna (30), David (27), Hannah (23), Koleea (16), and Kayson (15). Kim’s children describe him as a generous, kind, patient, and loving father.
Del Rees
Born as the youngest child to proud parents; Frederick Alvin Rees and Ellen Venus Greer on 18 June 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Del lived a life full of adventures, activities, challenges and many grand accomplishments. In the process Del was blessed with a lifelong loving companion and a beautiful family.
Del was married to Shirley Jean Gabrielson on 14 September 1950, they were blessed to be parents of seven children; Nicholas Lamar, Shaun Martin, David Alan, Karen 1957-1957, Kellie Ann, Ronald Eric. Kim Renae and many grand children and great grand children.
Del was an adventurous young man but was still able to claim status as a South High School graduate class of 1947 and a veteran honorably discharged from the US Army after two years service from 1951-53 as a power equipment electrician in Germany.
He was an avid story teller and an awesome leader of Boy Scouts. Church youth groups, neighbor kids and his children and grandchildren as evidenced by some of these comments shared by some of those who knew him:
“He was such a great man! I’m lucky to be able to call him Grandpa!”
“I remember he always had paint on his hands. He was always eating fruit with a pocket knife and using duct tape as a cup holder. He’d give directions using nearby objects on the table as people and landmarks. My grandpa had a way of nurturing your strengths and encouraging adventure and curiosity.”
“Del was a great man and father!!!” “He was proud of each of his kids and Grandkids. He and Grandma really did leave quite a legacy.”
“He will be missed, but not entirely gone.”
“He was such a fun and welcoming man! I always felt welcome around Del and Shirley. I loved his stories, his playfulness and his love of others!”
“Certainly one of my favorite people. He set a great example of living a Christlike life.”
“Del was my youth leader more than any other single person during my teen years. He is up there planning hikes and outings…!”
“His words of wisdom still stick “you can wash dirt, grease and grime off but not boredom”
“A big void for all of us, let’s enjoy the memories!”
“He loved work and hard challenging projects; the taller, the higher the better!”
“I loved the time I spent with your dad! Loved his happiness and funny stories and kindness!”
“Del is a legend in my eyes.”
You will be missed but never forgotten. We loved you yesterday and will love you tomorrow and beyond.
Del passed peacefully to be with those loved ones who have preceded his passing on 31 December 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
