Richard Pelton Barnes

There is less love and kindness in the world after Richard’s passing. Richard P. Barnes departed during the early morning hours of April 19, 2023. He was the first of three sons to Rebecca Pelton and Shirley M. Barnes, and he was the last of the three sons to leave this world. Richard was born in San Pedro, CA on February 18, 1925. He was raised in Davis County, UT by his grandmothers (Meriam McFerson Barnes and Mary Ellen Parrish Pelton) and by his aunt (Miriam “Molly” Barnes). These three incredible women set the course of Richard’s life.

Richard turned eighteen in the midst of World War II and joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. He flew 25 missions over Germany before the war ended in 1945. This was a focal point in his life and instilled in him a lifelong love of airplanes and flying. He then attended the University of Utah, where he met and eventually married Elva Marchant on September 13, 1951.

He first earned an undergraduate education degree in biology, followed by a master’s in art education. Richard taught Art at South Davis Junior High School for thirty years, touching the lives of thousands of students prior to his retirement in 1987.  Richard loved learning, and in the 1970s he went back to school and earned two doctorates, in education and in divinity. In a very private way, he was deeply spiritual and looked for inspiration in western and eastern traditions. All who encountered Richard felt the love and kindness that radiated from him. He was an artist at his core and spread beauty in the world.

Richard and Elva raised two sons. For them family was a deliberate choice, and their sons knew they were deeply loved. They created a home full of equality, love, caring, service, art, creativity, and beauty.

Elva proceeded Richard in death on November 22, 2006.  Richard is survived by his sons Mark (Joanna) and Richard (Brenda), grandchildren Daniel (Liz), Stephen (Melanie), Alan, Tracy (JD), Ethan, Lorali, Owen and Cameron, and great grandchildren Kai, Londyn, Asher, Jacob, Bridger, Noah, Jonas, Mila, and Navy. We, his family, are blessed to have Richard in our lives.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main, Farmington, UT on Friday, April 21st, 2023, at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a closed casket visitation. The funeral/celebration of his life will be held at the same facility at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 22nd, 2023. The funeral will be immediately followed by a graveside service at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.