Howard Burton, 91, a resident of Whidbey Island since 1993 and formerly of Wapato, died May 12, 2003, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born Sept. 29, 1911, in Delevan, Kan., to Spencer and Ida Joan (Burns) Burton. In 1934 he married Imogene Lorene Sharp, who died in 1998.

Mr. Burton was Wapato police chief for three decades, retiring in 1973. He was a member of the Wapato Lions Club. A skilled athlete in his youth, Mr. Burton closely followed Wapato Schools and community sports. He loved outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and camping, and maintained a productive vegetable garden until late in life.

He is survived by two daughters, Ellen Burton of Washington, D.C., and Carolyn (Mrs. Reuben “Buck”) Vosburg of Freeland; two granddaughters, Gina (Mrs. Brian) VanWetter and Angela Vosburg, both of Freeland; and a younger brother.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.