Roy George Barton, Jr.

Roy George Barton, Jr. was born September 8, 1944, in Tahoka, Texas, and passed away peacefully October 6, 2025, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by his precious wife Claudia, his doggies Gigolo and Amore, and his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy George Barton, Sr., his mother, Bennie Opal Barton, his sister, Barbara June Gourley, his brother, Don G. Gourley, and his son, Chance Christian Barton.

Roy had many names...some of you knew him as "Roy", some as "George", HIS dad called him "Butch", his grandkids called him "Pops", his kids call him "Dad"!

After his childhood and then high school graduation in Hobbs, Roy attended Southwestern Assemblies of God college for a spell, but at the urging of his father, he soon began law school at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He appeased his dad for as long as he could but soon realized his true calling wasn't in law at all...it was in oil. He convinced his dad to let him drop out of law school and come back to Hobbs so he could partner with him in the oil and gas industry! He was in his early 20's when that began and he spent the majority of his 81 years wheeling and dealing with his dad to create and build their family oil legacy! His knowledge of land and mineral rights was so extensive that he could recite hundreds of property descriptions by memory—leaving anyone in awe of his sharp mind and passion for the business.

Alongside his success in oil, Roy had a longtime love for quarter horses, thoroughbreds, and the horse racing industry. He spent many years devoted to breeding, owning, and enjoying the thrill of the track.

He lived a laidback life, had a hilarious dry sense of humor, he was full of laughter, clever one-liners, he took some trips abroad, but mainly kept the road hot in every direction, in the pursuit of oil! He loved his family deeply—especially his beloved wife, Claudia, whom he was happily married to for 31 years; his children and grandchildren, his loyal office staff, and his many friends and business partners. He was known to always be wearing plaid shirts, old-school Wranglers, and, on special occasions, his signature leather vests. He always drove a truck with an engine every guy admired and had a heart just as cool and strong!

If you knew Roy, you knew generosity. He was the type of man who would invest with you, invest in you, or find some way to bless you with his giving! He was an over-tipper, an easy laugher, and the best storyteller in the room. In his final days, he shared that he had peace in his heart about where he would spend eternity—and because of that, we, his family have peace in knowing we will see him again in heaven.

Roy is survived by his devoted wife, Claudia Rizzi Barton of Las Vegas, Nevada; his son, Roy George Barton III, and partner, Elle Davidson, and their children, Ava and Slater Barton of Venice, California; his son, Brett Christopher Barton and wife, Hillary Barton, of Austin, Texas and their children Jessica Barton, Meghan Griffin and husband Lane, Hannah Jones and husband Taylor, Halle Francis, Paislee Francis, and Benjamin Snyder; his daughter, Heidi Caroline Barton, and her sons, Canyon Cross Rivera and Rocco Barton Rivera all of Hobbs; two daughters, Lexie McDurmitt and husband Josh; Chelsea Medford and husband Matt, all of Texas; a brother Vince H Gourley and wife Dorothy, of Ardmore, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and family, all whom he loved.

Roy's life was one well lived—sometimes in the fast lane, sometimes slow and steady, but always full of laughter, love, and generosity. His memory will continue to inspire those of us who were blessed to know him and be loved by him!♥️