H. Burton Zech, age 89, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Wellington. He was a retired businessman, farmer, rancher, and dairyman.

H. Burton Zech was born on May 26, 1919 in Renfrow, OK to Harry and Mabel C. (Cole) Zech.

He married Dixie D. Wood on May 18, 1941 in McPherson, KS.

Burton was ahead of his time, a true son of the soil. His innovative ideas helped move the farming industry in to the 21st century. He was a progressive farmer who worked with the Kansas State Agronomists to develop new strains of wheat and other crops. He worked with the America Breeders Association in developing a computerized breeding program for developing dairy and beef cattle. He was on the cover of the Successful Magazine in 1963 and received many other awards and honors. He spent several years creating a herd of prize gelbvieh cattle that took prizes in state and national shows. Through the years Burton exchanged ideas and entertained people from Israel, Turkey, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Yugoslavia. He enjoyed working with young people and active in 4-H, FFA, and Boy Scouts. He had a great love for his family and a passion for flying his airplane. The list of his attributes go on and on, only to be exceeded by the list of his accomplishments.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Marvin Zech; his daughter, Mary Ellen Zech; and great grandchild, Austin Stewart.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Dixie of Wellington, KS; one son, Richard Zech and his wife Kathy of Wellington, KS; one daughter, Ann Barnes and her fiancé Jim Emerson of Wellington, KS; grandchildren, Gretchen Zech, Don Stewart, Spencer Zech and his companion Tracy Jenkins, Chris and his wife Melissa Stewart, and Melissa Ybarra and her companion Brice Marshall; great grandchildren, Matty Donaldson, Ryan, Taylor, Chelsea and Conner Stewart, Eli, Dylan, Daniel, and Cody Zech, Wade Stewart, Tyler Ybarra, and Taylan Ybarra; sister-in-law Mini Thomas; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Church of Christ. Mr. Gary Bodine will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Sumner Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 from 1:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established with Wellington F.F.A. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.