South Yorkshire Times, September 24th 1960
Obituary
Mr. Wm. M. Burton
Senior Verger in Diocese
One of Conisbrough’s best known residents, Mr. William Merrills Burton (78), verger at Conisbrough Parish Church for over 40 years, died at his home on Friday.
Mr. Burton, of 63, Church Street, had served under six Vicars at Conisbrough.
He spent all but three months of his life in Conisbrough, being born at Marton Hall, near Gainsborough, Before being appointed verger, Mr. Burton was for six years caretaker at Station Road School.
He was a former member of the old Conisborough Fire Brigade, and during the 1914-18 war served with the K.O.Y.L.I. For some years Mr. Burton was secretary was secretary of Conisbrough Hospital Sunday Committee.
He leaves a widow, Mrs. Ada Burton (76), a son, Mr. W. H. Burton, of Longwood, near Huddersfield, and a daughter, Mrs. H. M. Starr, of Crookhill Road, Conisbrough.
Mr. and Mrs. Burton had been married 58 years.
Mr. Burton had been ill for a year.
The funeral on Tuesday was conducted by the Vicar of Conisbrough, the Rev. G. F. Braithwaite, assisted by the curate, the Rev. A. W. Johnston. Cross-bearer was Mr. Roy Rich and the organist Mr. P. Webb.
The choir walked in procession from church gate and back after service. They led the singing of “Criniond” and the hymn, “We love the place, O God.”
In his address, the Vicar said, “We are gathered in respect for one whose service to Church and community has been that of a lifetime. William Merrills Burton has worked as Verger with six vicars, and has become a tradition of this parish.
For many years he was senior verger in the Diocese of Sheffield, and contributed dignity and honour to his profession and to the parish of Conisbrough.
“His proficiency at his craft, and his local knowledge of people and institutions provided a fund of Inspiration and help to me personally, and to very many with whom his duties brought him into contact, both in times of joy and sorrow. And his ready humour (which is half the battle of life) allied with his sympathy and understanding, made him highly esteemed and well loved,
“While we offer our deep sympathy to the bereaved, we also thank God for the life and example of a notable man, and place his staff here in token of our regard.”
At this point the Vicar laid verger’s wand on the coffin.