Memory

So many people have come forward to share their thoughts and memories of Colton. Here are just a few of the many that we have received.

“…Colton lived I Corinthians 13 before us every day. He was kind, thoughtful, never rude, always putting others first, I could go on and on.”

“I don’t believe I exaggerate when I say that Colton influenced and changed every life he touched.”
– Connie McKnight”

[Colton] was a fine, fine young man who left the imprint of God’s love on everyone he interacted with while at Howard Payne.”
– Brad Johnson, Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement, HPU

“Whether we were working hard, or avoiding hard work, he was always the same energetic guy and always doing something to make things fun. Day in and day out, it was easy to see that Colton had a very strong faith in God and great parents who taught him well.”
– Michael Paulk

For Colton:

We saw a silky colt
galloping on knobby knees-
slender, sinewy, strong-
across a spring-green field.

Our spirits smiled
at the simple scene-
steady, surreal, sublime.

He ran a brief, brave run
that left all of creation
in awe of its abrupt end.
But, for those of us who saw it,
what a charming Godsend.

– Mollie Moore

“His smile, personality & attitude was infectious. I saw Christ shining through him. I am a better person to have known him.”
– Mark A. Darr – Lieutenant Governor – Arkansas

“Colton is an extraordinary young man whose friendliness won people over within minutes of meeting him. There are many of us in his adopted state of Arkansas that will truly miss him. He is highly thought of for his gentle spirit, his pleasant manner, and his quick smile. Simply put, he is an outstanding individual.”
– John Thurston – Commissioner of State Lands – Arkansas

“Colton was a remarkable young man with much promise, He was kind and courteous and was always willing to help. He was a true gentleman and a testimony to his ‘raising.'”
– Patrick Calhoun

“I only met Colton once, several weeks ago when he came to my Little Rock office to meet my staff. Although, we only talked for five minutes, I saw in Colton his enthusiasm and commitment to public service. After he left, my entire staff said, ‘He is one of the good guys.'”
– Mark Pryor – United States Senator for Arkansas

“There is so much that I can say and all of it would be true
You never met a stranger; They were always a future friend to you

Loud was your volume and crazy your name
Life goes on but it will never be the same
Memories flood my mind and a smile crosses my face
It was fun to be with you but I know you are in a better place

Your life was short and your time on earth is done
What you did while you were here affected everyone

This is why it is so tough to say good-bye
Sometimes I just want to sit down and cry

But I know the same Savior and I will SEE YA soon
Colton Lee Burran, I will never forget you'”

– Debbie Utterback, HPU”

I just wanted to give you one of my memories with Colton. We were playing an intramural basketball game. It was a close and intense game. Colton banked in a 3 pointer to send it into over-time. It was great!”
– Jonathan Jones, HPU

“I remember when I met him – he was always smiling goofing off and having a good time. He never failed to say hi to me and see how I was doing. I look up to him in so many ways.”
– L Bates

“From the first moment we met I began to suspect that there was something special about Colton. Over the years that followed, I was blessed to watch him grow from that 19-year old high school graduate into a young man taking on the adult responsibilities of a career, of a relationship–of life. I was honored to be a part of his life through these changing seasons as we spent countless hours talking about everything under the sun and sharing our lives with each other.

Colton’s family was his support system and the center of his world.One of our last conversations in the hours before his death, he talked about how much he loved his family. As strong as his love of family, so was his love of the Lord. Colton had an incorruptible moral compass. He lived his life as an example of scripture. Colton preached by living his faith and along the way brought others to join him in that faith. I am one of those people. And I know that if the tragedy has in any way caused anyone to establish a relationship with God or strengthen your faith, nothing would have made him happier.

Colton valued his family, his faith, and his friends. Colton freely gave of himself. Even in his death, he continues to give to us. I hope you will join me in celebrating a life lived well and take the gifts that Colton has given us and keep them throughout our lives. Never let there be a wasted day.”
-Jim Terry

“I had the great privilege of getting to know Colton as his Dean of Students at HPU. I enjoyed working alongside him in Student Government, seeing him get involved on campus, but most of all watching him live the life of a friendly, godly young man who was always making others smile through his encouragement and humor. He was a blessing to me and to so many others. He will be missed.”
– Brent Marsh, HPU Dean of Students

“I remember him saying often that when people said the name ‘Colton Burran’ he wanted them to think of a servant of Christ, a lover of people, an inspiration. Colton was all of these things.”
– Katie Walker, HPU

“I had Freshman Psychology class with Colton, and I got to know him through that class. One thing I noticed about him was how inclusive he was with the people in the class who were often overlooked by most. He noticed and loved those people and included them in conversation and I will always remember that about him.”
– Katie Curry, HPU

“In 25 years as a Business professor, Colton showed the most promise of any student I have had the privilege of teaching. He was a real credit to his family. He was kind to everyone…even old men like me!”
– Mark Patton

“I know we didn’t know each other all that well but you made a big impact in my life as a teachers aid my freshman year at HPU. I will be graduating in May and some of that credit goes to you for the guidance you not only gave me, but the whole class. Thanks Colton.”
– Brian David Asp

“Colton: Picked up my HPU magazine last week and just found out. You are on my mind and in my heart every day, my brother. Students and brothers like you are what made every day of teaching a joy and I will never forget the zeal and elan that you brought to every class period. I rejoice in your victory. Reserve a place for me right next to you. Love you.”
– Hank Maddux

“One of my favorite memories was July 4th on the South Lawn of the White House, and you and I belting out every word to the Star-Spangled Banner.”
– Ned Curry

“I will remember Colton in many wonderful ways, The long tall Texan with always a smile, a kind spirit, a willing and hard worker and a fun guy to be around. Sometimes God graces us in this life with foretastes of our life to come with Christ. Colton’s memory will remind me of a true reflection of Christ, his Savior, until I one day can see Christ and be like Him.
– Bill McKnight

“As I’m sure it was apparent at Colton’s service the Boozman Campaign Staff was a close knit group. Despite being the youngest in the group Colton was the glue that held us together. If you needed a lift when times were stressful, Colton was always there to make us laugh or offer a word of encouragement. Colton was the most selfless person I’ve ever met and always put others above himself. Despite being eight years older it is amazing how much I learned from Colton about being a better person simply by watching his actions. We were all better for having known him.”
– Kevin Nichols, John Boozman Campaign Staff

“Colton sent me a letter as I was departing HPU. I run across this letter frequently for no reason it seems and each time I read it I receive a blessing from him anew. Everyone who journeyed with Colton, even for a short time, received a shot of elan and joy that can only remain for many years. Some day I will see him again before His throne and rejoice with him to hear those words “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
– Dr. Hank Maddux

“Whenever i was younger Colton was a lifeguard at the Swim Club. I would go to the end of my drive way to see if his little red truck was there. Then i would ride my bike down there and swim all day! He was such an amazing person!”
– Morgan Murry

“I met Colton during the 2010 Arkansas US Senate Primary while we were working for opposing campaigns. On one of his first days with Boozman, Colton was given a video camera, and told to film Gilbert Baker’s bus tour. About 2 stops in, I received a phone call from my campaign manager telling me to “not flirt with the cute kid with the camera” because he was doing opposition research. Of course, I was sent to find out his name and get a little bit of background info. I introduced myself, was making small talk, when, my campaign manager, walked up and looked Colton straight in the face and said “ARE YOU WORKING FOR BOOZMAN”. Colton froze and stumbled around for words, then finally, confessed.

Two days later, I ran into him again at a parade. I walked up to him and said, “Well, Look, its my friend Creeper Cameron! Didn’t recognize you with out a camera.” He looked at me, grinned, and simply said, “Yea, Its Colton. Not Cameron.” Then gave me a hug anyway. From the point forward he and I were buds. I had the opportunity to continue to work with him during my time with the RNC Victory campaign in 2010. Many of my favorite memories of the 2010 campaign cycle include him. I was blessed to have been able to call Colton a friend.

Not a day goes by that I do not miss him. Colton had the ability to make everyone around him happy. He was a truly special person and I am a better person for having known him.”
– Heather Browning