Donald Elmer Barton

Donald Elmer Barton, the son of Elmer E. and Annabelle (Fowler) Barton, was born Aug. 20, 1925, in Newton, Iowa. He graduated from the Newton Senior High School with the class of 1943. Don served his country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He returned to college, obtaining a bachelor of science degree from the University of Iowa in 1948.

Don was united in marriage with Helen Louise Carrier on Sept. 18, 1948, in Newton, Iowa. Don had worked for the Maytag Company in service and marketing for 18 years. He was a regional manager in Bedford, Ind., and Toledo, Ohio, for six years. He was a sales manager for Salmon Products and went on to own and operate Barton’s Appliance and Diamond Ice. Don was a longtime member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton, where he held many offices. He was also a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge No. 59 AF & AM and the Newton Elks Lodge. Don enjoyed traveling, playing golf and tennis; watching Newton and the University of Iowa sports; was president of Little League Baseball; had served on the board of Progress Industries; and worked on the fund drive for the renovation of Maytag pool.

Don died on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at Park Centre Health Care in Newton. He was 88 years old. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeffrey Barton; his sister, Myrtle (Hollis) Simpson; and a niece, Sondi Huseboe.

Those left to honor Don’s memory include his wife, Helen Barton of Newton; his son, Bruce (Pam) Barton of Boca Raton, Fla.; his grandsons, Trevor Barton and Colby Barton; his nephew and niece, Gary (Diane) Simpson; his great-nephews, Brooks (Stacy) Simpson, DJ (Lara) Lindquist and Lance Lindquist; his great-nieces, Stacy (Greg) Shelly and Tracy Evans; and his many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton. The family will greet friends following the service during lunch at the church. Memorials may be designated in Don’s name to the Congregational United Church of Christ and may be left at the church or at Pence-Reese Funeral Home.