Eldon Lee Barton

BARTON,
Eldon Lee

Eldon Lee Barton passed away peacefully on February 21, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born on December 28, 1926 to Ray and Inez Barton in Spokane. He graduated early from Lewis and Clark High School to begin his service in the Navy during World War II, stationed in the Philippines, and was honorably discharged in 1946. After the war, he returned to his home town of Spokane, attended Whitworth College, and married Mercedes Miniclier on June 6, 1948. He joined the family auto business with his father Ray Barton and ran Barton Oldsmobile Company for over 40 years before retiring.

Lee participated in many Spokane businesses and civic organizations. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and served as Potentate of the Shrine in 1982. He served as a Board Member of the Washington Trust Bank for many years and was an active member of the Spokane Downtown Rotary and Better Business Bureau. In addition, he was an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Spokane. During the winter, he was involved in building a mission church for the Lutheran community in Borrego Springs, California.

Lee will always be remembered for his passion of auto and boat mechanics, flying, traveling with friends, spending time at the Spokane Country Club, Hayden Lake and Borrego Springs golfing. He developed auto dealer software for his local business well before the industry. He was very active in the Church and devoted his energies to helping others whenever possible. Animals played a special part in his life, especially his horses and dogs.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Inez Barton and brother Robert. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mercedes, and sisters Cleo Walter and Ruth Baird of Spokane, WA; children and their spouses, Dan (Norma) Barton of Post Falls, ID, Jeff (Peggy) Barton of Spokane, WA, and Janice (Steven) Erickson of Deer Park, WA; grandchildren, Chris, Stacy, and Jennifer of Dan and Norma Barton, Michael, Kelly, Mark, and Brooklynn of Jeff and Peggy Barton, and Vanessa, Stephanie, Patrick, and Thomas of Janice and Steven Erickson; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial service, with reception following, will be Friday, February 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church, 512 South Bernard St., Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Lutheran Church or Shriners Hospital, or the organization of their choice.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Clode and the staff at Rockwood Forest Estates Courtyard for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Lee and his family.