Thomas R. Burton was born on October 7, 1933, in Ogden. He attended Weber College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in 1953. He later continued his education at Brigham Young University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in English Literature in 1959 and a Master of Arts in American Literature in 1960. Burton subsequently earned a Ph.D. in American and English Literature from University of Washington in 1963. Following his studies at Weber College, Burton served in the United States Navy as a radioman from 1953 to 1955. During his time at Brigham Young University, he also served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England from 1956 to 1958. In 1963, Burton joined the faculty of Weber State College as an instructor in the English Department. In 1976, he was appointed Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, a position he held until 1981. During his tenure in academic administration, Burton also chaired the Education Graduate Program Committee. He later returned to teaching and, beginning in 1989, served six years as a member of the Faculty Senate. Burton retired from Weber State University shortly after his service on the Faculty Senate.