Robert Lee Burt

Robert “Bob” Lee Burt, 77, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2026. He was so many things to so many people in his life - beloved husband, father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, brother, veteran, friend, and golf buddy – and to say that he gave all that he had into each of these roles would seem to be understating it. Simply put, everyone loved Bob Burt!

He cherished his many friends and family members who love him dearly and his life will undoubtedly be marked by the humor, connection, and experiences that took him far beyond his Texas roots and into many friendships across the world.

Born on August 28, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas, to Juanita and Joe C. Burt, Bob grew up in the town he always called home, Bryan, Texas. A proud graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, Class of 1966, he entered the United States Air Force shortly after. His service took him from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, to Turkey, and eventually to Chicksands AFB in England, where he served as a Staff Sergeant (E‑5) in logistics and supply until his honorable discharge in the early 1970s. He valued the service to his country, but even more, the travels, stories, and the lifelong friendships that came as a result. It also strengthened his love of country and appreciation for all of those who have and continue to serve our country in uniform.

Bob’s civilian career took him back home and across Texas, including Fort Worth, Waco, and ultimately back to the Bryan area, where he worked at auto dealerships in Bryan and Navasota. No matter the job, Bob brought the same humor, ease, and ability to make friends wherever he went.

One of the most meaningful chapters of his life came in Hawaii, where he found his true calling and served for 23 years as Director of the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Pearl Harbor. He loved the work, the history, and true to his nature, the people. He remained so incredibly proud to salute and get to know the stories behind the heroes of that fateful and hallowed place in our nation’s history. Bob was a stranger to no one, and his collection of celebrity encounters became part of his legendary storytelling repertoire, and he proudly kept in touch with more than a few.

His time spent in Hawaii brought him so much joy, most importantly introducing him to Jill, the love of his life, who matched his spirit, love of the outdoors and travel, and curiosity. They got married on May 25, 2005 and together, they built a life filled with golf, travel, laughter, and a partnership defined by respect and genuine companionship. Work ultimately took them to the St. George area, where they continued their amazing life journey.

Bob’s personality filled (and then some) any space he entered. He was always the jokester, the one who could make strangers feel like longtime friends. He thrived on being around people and loved sharing stories about his travels, the trips he had planned, his rounds of golf especially with sons and grandsons, and his cherished holes‑in‑one. He loved a good audience almost as much as the audience loved him.

Bob had a gift for making people feel valued, and every visit brought something uniquely him, whether through an old photograph he had rediscovered, a treasure he had acquired, or a golf memento he couldn’t wait to show off. He amassed too many friends to mention, but each one knew that he loved them and appreciated their friendships, dearly.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 20 incredible years, Jill; his children Trevor (Kathy) Burt of Pearland, Texas, and Amy (Eric) Zaragoza of Bryan, Texas; and his bonus sons Dustin (Nozomi) Sleight of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Jace Parker of St. George, Utah.

He is also survived by his brothers Joe (Cherry) Burt and Billy Burt, both of Bryan, Texas; beloved brothers and sisters in law, DeeAnn Hinajosa, David (Tina) Tate, Michael (Sherrie Lou) Tate, Mark (Suzanne) Tate; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob’s legacy and fun-loving spirit will always remain with the prides of his life, grandchildren: Ryan, Kaitlyn, and Collin Burt; Victoria Burt, Keeton Zaragoza, and Hunter Zaragoza; Hanna and Sena Sleight; and great‑granddaughter, Blakely.

And of course, he will be dearly missed by his loyal companion, Rusty, who was rarely far from his side and kept him walking and moving all day long.

Bob lived a life full of movement, stories, humor, and connection. He had plans to travel to Bryan for his 60th class reunion in April, one more trip to Alaska this summer and a trip he and Jill were most looking forward to, a Mediterranean cruise later this fall. Regardless of where he was, his unmistakable Texas drawl, his laugh, and his larger-than-life presence were on full display and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and being loved by him. "Hit 'em long and straight."

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Park LDS Chapel. 524 Washington Parkway, Washington, Utah. Military honors will be provided following the funeral service at the same location.

Family and friends unable to attend in person are invited to join us live at the following link: Highland Park Ward Zoom

A committal service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah. 1640 Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor the legacy of Bob with gifts toward the parks he loved. To make a donation in his memory, please visit: https://give.zionpark.org/. To ensure your gift honors his memory, please click the Memorial Donation box and share Bob Burts' name. You can also add a personal message that will be shared with the family.

Arrangements were made under the direction of AFC Funeral Home.  157 E Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah. 435-680-7035.  Family and friends are invited to share memories on Bob's digital memorial page at AFCFuneralHome.com