Kenneth Barton

Kenneth Barton 1919 - 2011 On Saturday April 23rd, Ken Barton completed his long journey on earth with his beloved wife Lou at his side, at the age of 91. Ken was born on November 13, 1919 in Belding, Michigan to parents Kenneth Roe Barton and Beulah Marie Bush. He joined two year old twin siblings, Richard (Dick) and Rowena (Rena). Sister Delores completed the family in 1927. Raised and educated in Michigan, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after his 20th birthday. He spent the majority of his Navy service in the Pacific theater and was on the island of Palmyra when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Ken was a member of Admiral Turner's Amphibious Forces, US Pacific Fleet during the invasion of Saipan. Ken achieved the rank of Chief Radioman, received numerous commendations and decorations and was honorably discharged December 29th, 1945 after more than six years of service. Subsequently, he graduated from Michigan State College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1948. Ken spent his entire career as an auditor with the US Government. Ken married Barbara Bergau in 1964 and adopted her two children, Jon and Lisa, who were aged 7 and 6. They later divorced. Ken married Mary Lou Vignere in 1993 and they were able to enjoy many years of travel, dancing and outdoor adventure until he developed Alzheimer's and the effects of the disease impacted his lifestyle. Ken struggled with Alzheimer's for more than eight years and was able to remain at home until five days prior to his death due to the loving care Lou unselfishly provided. Prior to his illness, Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, and bridge. He was an excellent artist and among his family, known for his caricature drawings and witty humor. Ken and Lou raised and loved their Vizsla, Brandy who provided much joy and companionship over the past 14+ years. Ken was predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Beulah and his siblings Dick, Rena. He is survived by his loving wife Lou of Meridian, son Jon of Portland, OR, daughter Lisa Barton Mullins (Bruce) of Fairview, OR and his stepchildren Sharon Montgomery of Caldwell, Kathleen Simko (Ben) of Garden City, Alex Faucher of Meridian, Steve Vignere of Spokane, and Mike Vignere (Peggi) of Spokane. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A committal service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ken's memory to the Meridian Animal Shelter at 3401 N. 10 Mile Road Meridian, ID 83646 or any charitable organization that benefits animals. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.