Zachary Carl Burton
Zachary Carl Burton, 45, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on October 22, 2025, following a brief illness due to complications of diabetes. Zack was born on February 8, 1980, in Newberry, Michigan, the son of Carl and Lorraine (Day) Burton.
Zack was three years old when the family moved to the farm where he would spend the rest of his life. He grew up loving the outdoors, animals, his family, and the neighborhood boys who became his lifelong friends. A curious and mischievous boy with a core of kindness and humor, Zack found friends everywhere.
As he grew older, Zack found joy in hunting and fishing. He spent many hours fishing on lakes or at “Grandma’s Pond” with his dad or friends. He enjoyed hunting and customizing firearms but mostly loved bowhunting for deer. The quiet hours he spent in the woods, high in his tree stand, were his happiest times—-whether or not he came home with a deer. He cherished the peace of the woods and the beauty of the wildlife around him, and truly loved sharing the pastime with his friends.
Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 22, Zack’s battle with the complications of the disease shaped his adult life, eventually leading to kidney failure, dialysis, and other health challenges. Through it all, Zack faced each day bravely, with humor and an unwavering spirit that inspired those around him.
Zack is survived by his parents, Carl and Lorraine Burton; his sisters, Gail (Anthony) Sykes of Ypsilanti, Tricia Holmes of Battle Creek, Colleen Burton of Lansing, and Melinda (Ian) Pegg of Battle Creek; his dear friends who were like brothers—Andy Potter, Brad Mann, Mike Newland, and Rich Bodell; his nephew and nieces; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Zack also leaves behind countless friends and members of his medical care teams who will miss his cheerful smile and quick wit.
A memorial service will be held at the family farm on November 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Zack’s memory be made to diabetes research or to the American Kidney Foundation.