Robert “Bob” J. Barton
Robert “Bob” James Barton, 89, of Ellendale died June 13, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD after having a massive stroke. Surrounded by his family singing Jesus loves me, he passed peacefully into heaven.
Robert James, son of Earl and Vera (Payton) Barton was born December 31, 1932, at Glover, ND. He grew up and attended Kentner Country School in Dickey County, ND. He loved to play baseball and was part of a neighborhood team in Kentner Township, with his dad as coach. They played other teams in the area on Sundays. Bob was a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan.
Robert was united in marriage to Donna Mae Meyers on October 4, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ellendale. They farmed along with his dad up until 1961 when they bought and expanded the family farm, which is 7 miles northeast of Ellendale. Along with farming, Bob co-founded and operated Barton Sand and Gravel with his father for many years. They continued living on the family farm up until 2004, when they moved to Ellendale. Bob continued to farm with sons, Dan and Jerry, into his retirement years.
Robert and Donna wintered in Yuma, AZ, for 23 years. He was very active at Calvary Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Salvation Army. He enjoyed the warmer winters golfing and playing cards with their friends. He was well known for his woodworking projects and displayed them in his well-manicured yard.
Robert served on various boards, including Farmers Union as a director from 1984-1994, and Kentner Township board for several years. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving as an Elder and church board member.
Grateful for having shared Robert’s life are his wife of 68 years, Donna; daughters, Vicki (Roger) Henry of St. Paul, MN, Peggy Gilbert of Ellendale and Pamela (Clint) Rasmussen of West Fargo, ND; sons, Daniel (Lisa) Barton of Ellendale, David (DeDe) Barton of Elysian, MN, Gerald (Jamie) Barton of Ellendale and Jeffrey (Lisa) Barton of Carrington, ND; sisters, Darlene Atkinson of Aberdeen, SD and Earlene (Ray) Retzlaff of Huron, SD; brother, Lawrence (Florence) Barton of Aberdeen, SD; 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ken and Raymond, sister, Laura LeMatta and son-in-law, Brent Gilbert.