Barry Vaughn Orton

Barry “Butch” Vaughn Orton, 74, of Leasburg, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in the comforting presence of his family at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullvan. 

On February 13, 1950, Barry was born to the union of James Richard Orton and Gladys Marie (Orick) in Piggott, Arkansas. 

Barry would earn his education while serving in the United States Army. 

On January 27, 1969, Barry was united in marriage to Theodora “Thea” Lovisa (Hunter) in Alaska. 

Barry faithfully and honorably served and ultimately retired from the United States Army after 21 years of dedicated service to his country. After his military service, Barry would work as a foreman for St. Louis Paving Company for 21 years before retiring. His hard work and sacrifice for this country will not be forgotten. 

Barry was very much a family man and enjoyed spending lots of quality time with his children and grandchildren. Some of the fondest memories will always be the endless board games, hands of pinochle and completed puzzles that he enjoyed with everyone, especially his grandchildren. It is said that Barry wasn’t really trying to win if he wasn’t cheating, which he apparently was an expert at, especially when it came to playing the family favorite, “Wahoo”. Barry also loved to go fishing and bird watching. He was famous for his cooking and baking skills; he made the absolute best brisket, and his biscuits and gravy were out of this world. Barry always looked forward to the cherished family dinners. He was lovingly labeled as a jokester because he loved to make others laugh and see them smile. One of the ways that he could get everyone to laugh or just to annoy them was to break out in song with “Old McDonald” Everyone he met always received their own nickname so that from then on, he would only refer to you by said name. In his younger years Barry loved to travel with his family. Every birthday for Barry, though the years have gone by, his age never changed and somehow, he has always been and will forever be 19. His other favorite pastime was watching his favorite television shows with his wife, Thea, such as “The Price is Right” and any old westerns. Most of all Barry loved his family and friends very much and he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Gladys Orton; one sister, Gertie Tourville; one granddaughter, Jordan Orton. 

Barry is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Thea Orton of Leasburg; three sons, James Orton of Leasburg, Paul Orton of Leasburg & Michael Orton of Bourbon; two daughters, Vanita King and husband James of Leasburg & Lovisa Evans and husband Justin Evans of Bourbon; two brothers, Roy Watson and wife Pat of Sullivan & John Orton and wife Becky of Sullivan; one sister, Connie Roskowske and husband Doug of St. James; fourteen grandchildren, Josh King, Noelle King, Tashianna King, Nathan King, Mariah Bennett, Elijah King, Jacob King, Jayme King, Rachel Orton, Dakota Orton, Jeremiah Orton, Alaina Evans, Justin Evans II & Eleanor Evans; two greatgrandchildren, Gavin and the soon to be Hutson; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. 

A visitation for Barry will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 P.M. also at Mizell Funeral Home. 

Interment with graveside service & military honors will take place following the services at the funeral home at Lea Cemetery in Leasburg. 

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Cuba Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry – P.O. Box 72 Cuba, Missouri 65453 

Arrangements under the care of Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba.