Donald R. "Don" Barton

1936 - 2025

Donald "Don" R. Barton, 89

Donald R. Barton, 89, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, formerly of Pullman, Washington, died October 1, 2025, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene.

Don was born on September 14, 1936, in Pullman, Washington to B. Ralph and Lillian A. (Johnson) Barton. He joined his brother, Bernard and sister, Beverly. He graduated from Pullman High School. While in high school he was active in wrestling, football, and basketball.

Don married his longtime sweetheart Barbara J. Lang on October 7, 1955, in Pullman. Together they have three children, David R. (1957), Denise R. (1959), and Daniel R. (1961). He was in the Navy Reserves for eight years. Don and Barbara lived in Pullman until 2016, when they moved to Hayden, Idaho to be closer to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don worked in many fields – construction with his dad; owned a successful Union 76 Gas Station; Carnation Milk Man; owned his own construction and excavation business. He built many sought-after custom homes, finally working at WSU Physical Plant as paint foreman before retirement. After he retired, he continued working for Wenzell Leff MD, managing maintenance at Pro Mall and many apartment complexes. He was much loved and respected in all these jobs for his integrity and attention to detail and craftmanship. He loved working and doing the best for every employer.

His family owned a resort on Lake Chatcolet in the 60's, "Bartons Park Hotel and Marina" where he introduced many family members and friends to water skiing. He would ski with his very young kids on his shoulders and was a patient teacher. Don loved his Century Resorter wood boat – which was well known on the lake!

Don was a HUGE WSU Cougar fan! He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad and mom, a love which he passed on to his own kids. Elk hunting every fall in the Blue Mountains in SE Washington, was especially loved -- his kids first trip when they were six and eight years old! It was unheard of in 1968 to bring your kids to Elk Camp for a week. In May 1960, Don was the first person in Whitman County to bowl a perfect 300 game. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner Member for over 50 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Pullman.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years (almost!), Barbie, at home in Hayden; daughter, Denise Pruitt of Hayden; much loved grandchildren: Sky Pruitt (wife, Susan) of Rathdrum; Lacey Thurman (husband, Eric) of Hayden; Scarlett Milbourne (husband, Mark) of Rathdrum; and Rainy Barton of Spokane; seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his first son, David R. who was born October 2, 1957, and died October 3, 1957; and his son, Daniel in 2012; as well as many in-laws and cousins who he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Shriners Children's Hospital (911 W. 5th Ave. #16 Spokane, Washington 99204).

We'd like to express our sincerest appreciation to the team members of Hospice of North Idaho and the Schneidmiller Hospice House for the tender care they gave to Don.

Don loved everyone and made it known. No one was a stranger.

Please visit Don's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com