Alpheus Burton "Burt" Allerton

Burt bought some new cushions for the porch swing down at the barn a year ago. He enjoyed sitting there looking out on Wildcat Mountain. He enjoyed his solitude but also didn't mind company even if it was a family pet. Many of us would sit with him listening to old stories and sometimes simply sit in silence. The last few months that short walk to the barn became too difficult. In his last few days, he’d sit looking out the bay window he built and say…I really love it here.

Alpheus Burton Allerton passed away at his home in Indian Creek Ranch on July 6, 2026, at the age of 92.

Burt was born on November 8, 1933, in Lawrence Kansas, and graduated from Hiawatha High School in Hiawatha, Kansas in 1951. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas, and in 1982 a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver where he later was hired to teach Vector Mechanics.

Burt was the son of Pauline Helen Shoebrook, a teacher, and Alpheus Burton Allerton, Sr. a teacher, a District Manager for Victory Life Insurance, and a retired Lieutenant H(S) USNR. Burt learned to fly model airplanes at a young age, competing in airplane control line combat tournaments. He learned to fly planes in ROTC where he continued his interest in flying and aeronautics. In high school, he played football, basketball, and ran track, along with his younger brother, Ron.

During a summer excursion to Palisade, Colorado in 1954 to work in the peach orchards, Burt met his “perfect peach” and lifelong companion, Lois Jane Kelley, who predeceased him on March 7, 2023.

Following graduation and marriage to Lois, he began his aeronautical engineering career at Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas - followed by a 33-year career at Martin Marietta in Colorado. Burt worked on numerous defense contracts, including projects for ICBMs, Titan Rockets, the Mars Viking Lander, and Skylab. He performed the structural analysis of the external tank of the Space Shuttle. He was unable to discuss many other projects due to the secrecy required.

Burt stayed active outside of work, being a boy scout leader, playing golf, and participating in basketball leagues. He enjoyed family camping trips. He was a member of the Thunderbird Water District Board and attended Brentwood United Methodist Church.

At home Burt was a builder and fixer. He remodeled the basement on Perry Street, created a home on Oak Court, and finally remodeled much of the home in Indian Creek Ranch. In addition to model airplanes, rockets, and kites, Burt built bookshelves, doll beds, doll houses, and even stilts! He also enjoyed attending the grandkids' sports activities and offered pointers like “put it in the net!”.

What came to be known affectionately as “The Ranch” became a gathering place for five generations for nearly forty years. Holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations of friends and family found a home at the Ranch. Burt and Lois made that happen and we are forever grateful.

Grandkids and great grandkids loved to ride the red tractor with Grandpa Burt. Later they were thrilled to drive it themselves with him by their side. In recent years he kept a bowl of chocolate candy in the living room to welcome visitors.

Even during the years of declining health Burt managed to keep a sense of humor. His one-liners communicated both seriousness and comic relief. One of his most common one-liners was to say “Up, up, and away!” each time he struggled to stand and gain his balance.

Burt is survived by his son Steve (Deb), son David (Sarah), and daughter Susan (Dave), grandchildren, Kari, Jennifer (Tyler), Thomas, Ellen, Ross (Rachel), Kyle (Kate), Kristin, and great grandchildren Gavin, Jax, Raiden, Xander, Iris, Roland, Brooks, and Peyton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Indian Creek Ranch Clubhouse, 7149 W. Cherokee Drive, Sedalia, CO, 80135, followed by a reception with family and friends.

In honor of Burt, charitable donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice in appreciation of the incredible work they do. https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html