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Harvey E. Barton was born June 23, 1927 in Tyronza, AR, to Walter Whit Barton and Vera Barton. He was the sixth of ten children. He died April 11, 2015, in Monticello, AR. At the age of 16, he volunteered for service in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific theater in World War II. Subsequent to his naval service, he received a Bachelor’s degree from Memphis State College in 1952. He then began a long and wonderful career as a coach, principal and superintendent, first at Tyronza and later at Keiser and Rivercrest schools. During that time he earned Master’s and Specialist degrees from Memphis State University and Arkansas State University. He was much loved by his students, colleagues and especially his players, for his high standards, personality, and competitiveness. He retired in 1993. He helped establish the standard of success for the Rivercrest Colts.
He was a Life Loyal member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Beginning with a radio in the window and the walnut tree at his home in Tyronza, he was a St. Louis Cardinals fan for over 80 years. He was also always true to his Memphis Tigers.
He married Betty Cunningham of Memphis, TN. Upon Betty becoming disabled in 1981, he was her exclusive care giver until her death in 2001. He moved to Memphis, TN, where he resided at Town Village at Audubon Park until shortly before his death. He is remembered by family and friends for the high-spirited, generous and gracious gentleman that he was.
He is survived by his two sons, Whit (Amanda) Barton of Monticello, AR and Larry (Colleen) Barton of Franklin, TN; and his four grandchildren, Walter Barton of Keiser, AR, Benjamin Barton of Monticello, AR, Madison Burton of Franklin, TN and Parker Barton of Franklin, TN. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Smith of Marked Tree, AR; and a host of nieces and nephews. He loved his family very much and was much loved by them.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at the Keiser United Methodist Church at 12:30 p.m. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Tyronza Cemetery in Tyronza, AR.
Memorials can be made to the Harvey E. Barton Scholarship, c/o Rivercrest High School, 1700 West State Highway 14, Wilson, AR 72395.
He was a Life Loyal member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Beginning with a radio in the window and the walnut tree at his home in Tyronza, he was a St. Louis Cardinals fan for over 80 years. He was also always true to his Memphis Tigers.
He married Betty Cunningham of Memphis, TN. Upon Betty becoming disabled in 1981, he was her exclusive care giver until her death in 2001. He moved to Memphis, TN, where he resided at Town Village at Audubon Park until shortly before his death. He is remembered by family and friends for the high-spirited, generous and gracious gentleman that he was.
He is survived by his two sons, Whit (Amanda) Barton of Monticello, AR and Larry (Colleen) Barton of Franklin, TN; and his four grandchildren, Walter Barton of Keiser, AR, Benjamin Barton of Monticello, AR, Madison Burton of Franklin, TN and Parker Barton of Franklin, TN. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Smith of Marked Tree, AR; and a host of nieces and nephews. He loved his family very much and was much loved by them.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at the Keiser United Methodist Church at 12:30 p.m. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Tyronza Cemetery in Tyronza, AR.
Memorials can be made to the Harvey E. Barton Scholarship, c/o Rivercrest High School, 1700 West State Highway 14, Wilson, AR 72395.