Lawrence Burton, Sr. (Lansing)

Mr. Lawrence Burton, Sr., passed away Friday, September 17, 2021, at his residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 58 years. Larry was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 5, 1962, to Evelyn and Austin Burton, Jr. He was the second child born into a family that had purchased a house on Lawton Street in a promising neighborhood whose residents were increasingly African American. Many of those neighbors on Lawton Street and nearby streets became lifelong friends.

Larry was an active child who developed a lifelong interest in sports. Larry attended P.J. Hally Elementary and Middle School before attending Mumford High School in Detroit. While in Detroit, he developed a love for music and learned to play the bass guitar. In 1978, he relocated to Lansing, Michigan, with his parents where he attended Lansing Everett High School and excelled in football and basketball before a knee injury curtailed his aspirations as a player.

In 1982, he married Cheryl Aikens. This union produced one child, Lawrence Burton, Jr., affectionately known during his childhood as Little Larry. Larry’s and Cheryl’s love for their son was unparalleled.

Larry worked several jobs including stints with the U.S. Postal Service, Oldsmobile, Demmar Corporation, and most recently Big John’s Steak and Onion as a cook. His passion was organizing and coaching sports which he continued to do for the past 25 years working for various companies including Joe Dumars Fieldhouse and Aim High Sports facility. Larry spent most of his free time as basketball trainer and coach for Triple Threat basketball Club.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents Austin W. Burton, Jr., and Evelyn Odom Burton.

Larry leaves to mourn his loss, son Lawrence (Lori) Burton Jr.; grandchildren, Layla Burton, Tre Burton, Kenny Brewer; brother Malik Yakini (formerly David Burton); niece Taifa Yakini; nephews Andwele Yakini and Ajamu Yakini; and many cousins and friends, including, best friend Virgil Brown.


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