Born in Little Rock in 1930, Marion received a Naval ROTC scholarship to Penn State where he graduated in 1952 with a major in physics and minors in mechanical engineering and navy science. After graduation he went directly into naval flight training. After serving in the navy, ne received a law degree from the University of Michigan.
Burton became a close advisor to Winthrop Rockefeller directing Rockefeller’s victorious campaign for governor in 1966 eventually becoming a trustee of the Governor’s Charitable Trust and co-executor of his estate. As a pilot, Marion flew Rockefeller’s business jet and set several world speed records including one for crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition to his business activities, Burton was a civic leader. He served on the boards of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Little Rock YMCA, Winrock International, Aerospace Education Center, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Foundation, Arkansas Arts Center Foundation and Arkansas Aviation Historical Society.
Marion passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024 at the age of 93.
@2024 Arkansas Aviation Historical Society