Josh Rufus Burton

Josh Rufus Burton, 43, of Danville, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, due to an automobile accident. He was born July 30, 1979, in Columbia, KY. Josh was a middle school teacher at The New Haven School and head wrestling coach at Thomas Nelson High School. He previously taught at Marion County Middle School and coached wrestling at Woodford County Middle School and Boyle County High School.

Josh was a 1997 Woodford County High School graduate. He was a member of Woodford's 1996 and 1997 back-to-back State and Dual State Champion Wrestling Teams. Josh was a two-time State Placer, finishing second in 1996 and third in 1997. He wrestled for the University of the Cumberlands and played Rugby for the University of Kentucky. Josh received a bachelor's degree in History from American Public University and a Master's in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands. He was working on a second Master's degree at Western Kentucky University to pursue a Ph.D. in History.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Wendy Jean Fudge Reeder.

He is survived by his wife, Jessica Burton; two children, son Conner Burton and daughter Kendall Burton, all of Danville; father, Donald Burton of Columbia; step-father, Charlie Reeder of Georgetown; sister, Andrea Burton of Lexington; mother-in-law, Theresa Pease of Elizabethtown; sister-in-law, Rebecca Pease of Lexington; brother-in-law, Jacob Pease of Elizabethtown; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, students, co-workers, and wrestling mates.

His visitation will be at Thomas Nelson High School in the gymnasium from 5 - 8 pm Thursday, April 13, 2023. There will be a celebration of life service at a later date.

Memorial contributions may go toward his children's education.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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