Joel Wade Burton

Joel Wade Burton, 62, of Houston, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He was surrounded by love and the memories of a life well lived.

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, August 8th at 11:00 AM at Ascension Episcopal Church in Houston. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Joel was born and raised in Houston, where he built a life defined by integrity, quiet strength, and a deep devotion to family, community, and service. He graduated from R.E. Lee High School in 1982 and went on to earn his associate degree in criminal justice. He attended the Houston Police Academy and dedicated his career to the Houston Police Department, where he proudly served as a police officer and rose to the rank of sergeant.

At the time of his retirement in 2019, he was serving as a homicide detective—a role that reflected his unwavering commitment to justice and to the people he served.

Joel was preceded in death by his brother, Alan M. Burton, Jr.; his sister, Kathryn D. Burton; his aunt, Sandra Mayfield Coleman; and his uncles, F. Herman Coleman and John D. Mayfield II.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Joel Wade Burton, Jr., and his wife, McKenna Burton; and his grandson, Bradley Wade Burton, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his parents, Alan M. Burton Sr. and Ann Park Mayfield Burton; his sister, Terry Burton Kahn and her husband, David; his niece, Kathryn Lamb and her husband, Joseph; his nephew, R. Cory Moreno and his husband, Kasey; and his cousins, Bill Coleman, John Miller Mayfield, Laura Mayfield Williams and her husband, Dale all of Waco and Jim Raisenan and his wife, Claire of Houston. He is also survived by his aunt, Beth Mayfield of Waco.

He leaves behind his beloved dog, Summer, who was always by his side.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Episcopal Church,2525 Seagler Rd., Houston, TX 77042 or the Houston Humane Society,14700 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX 77053.

Dettling Funeral Home in Houston is in charge of the arrangements.