David F. Barton

Barton, David F., 81, of Russellville, formerly of Plantation, Florida, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at his home. The son of Charles and Rona Lois Crandall Barton, he was born October 24, 1930 in Russellville. He was a 1948 graduate of Russellville High School and attended Arkansas Tech University. He and Anna Sue Brown were married on June 21, 1951 at Covina, CA, recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. David was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and stationed in Japan. He started in the grocery business in 1949 at Milsaps Grocery Store on North Denver in Russellville before going into the Air Force. While in the service he worked part time off base at a local grocery store, a small chain called Publix. His career in retail grocery management spanned over 40 years with Publix Supermarkets in Florida, working his way up to the position of District Manager before he retired in 1996. After retiring from Publix, he made his way back to the home of his childhood in the Arkansas River Valley. He was passionate about his work, enjoyed fishing, and showing Appaloosa horses. David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. A humble man, he touched people's lives with a servant's heart, acknowledging that God gave him many opportunities to serve his family, his church and his community. He delighted in serving in The Journey Caf with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters and two brothers including a twin brother. He is survived by his wife, Sue Barton, Russellville; three children, Larry Barton, Plantation, Florida, Gary Barton and wife Jamie, Parkland, FL, David Barton and wife Rebecca, Russellville; two brothers, A.G. Barton and wife Bettye, Dover, Jerry Barton, Knoxville; a sister, Julia Rye, Russellville; seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Funeral will be at 2 PM, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at The Journey. Rev. Steve Pyle, Rev. Larry Pyle, and Jon Ashcraft will officiate. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com. Memorials may be made to Parkridge Baptist Church, 5600 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076) in memory of David F. Barton. (www.parkridgebaptist.com. A memorial service will be held at Parkridge Baptist Church at a later date. As those details are available the information will be posted at www.humphreyfuneral.com.