Monsignor Francis H. Burlton, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Beaumont, died Friday, October 13, 2006. He was 76. A native of Beaumont, and graduate of St. Anthony School, he attended St. Mary’s Seminary in LaPorte and North American College in Rome, where he was awarded the Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Francis Burlton was ordained March 13, 1954, in Rome by Archbishop Francis Beretti at the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the Diocese of Galveston.
Following his ordination, he served as associate pastor at Assumption Church in Houston from August 1954 until March 1965, St. Catherine Church in Port Arthur from March 1965 until August 1966 and St. Joseph Church in Beaumont from August 1966 until June 1972. In September, 1966, he was appointed the first Chancellor of the Diocese of Beaumont, until May 1976 when he was appointed as administrator of St. Mary’s in Orange. On December 6, 1976, he was conferred the papal honor of Honorary Prelate of His Holiness Pope Paul VI. In August 1977 he became associate pastor of St. Mary’s in Port Arthur, and in June 1978 was the founding pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Orange. Since June 1990, he has been pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Beaumont. In addition, he held several other diocesan positions, including Diocesan Consultor, Promoter of Justice for the Tribunal, Priests' Personnel Board, and Episcopal Vicar for the Central Vicariate.
Msgr. Burlton said what he enjoyed most about being a priest was serving a variety of people and celebrating the sacraments, especially the Mass. He was considered an expert railroad historian and enjoyed building model trains.
Survivors include his brothers, Robert Alfred Burlton and his wife Joyce of Wichita Falls, Texas and Dr. Rogers Christopher Burlton and his wife Camille of Rockville, Maryland; and four nieces and nephews.
Schedule of service arrangements are as follows:
Tuesday, October 17
6:00 p.m. - Reception of the Body at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Beaumont
6:30 p.m. - Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Beaumont
7:30 p.m. - Rosary at Our Lady of the Assumption Church
Wednesday, October 18
4:30 p.m. - Reception of the Body at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, Texas
6:30 p.m. - Vigil Service at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, Texas
Thursday, October 19
7:15 a.m. - Mass will be offered for repose of Msgr. Burlton's soul - St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica (Public is welcome)
10:00 a.m. - Mass of Christian Burial - St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont
In lieu of flowers, Msgr. Burlton asked that memorial gifts be sent to:
Diocese of Beaumont Seminary Fund
P. O. Box 3948
Beaumont, Texas 77704
