William Barton Obituary

Barton
William "Bill" Edward Barton
March 5, 1932 - November 24, 2017
Bill Barton, beloved family patriarch, teacher, mentor, and community leader, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2017, at age 85 in Paonia, Colorado. During his final days, he was visited by his three sons and all seven grandchildren: a fitting tribute to a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Bill was beloved by many former students and colleagues of Colorado College. The man with the "infectious smile" was a favorite professor over four decades and was honored by CC in 2012 at the Bill Barton Endowed Professorship Celebration.
William Edward Barton was born on March 5, 1932, in Memphis, Texas. He was raised during the Great Depression and World War II and was the youngest of seven children. Despite economic conditions, Bill's parents instilled religious faith, the golden rule, and the importance of hard work. Bill enlisted in the Air Force at age 18, which leads to his most important life experiences. His good fortune began when the Air Force placed him in a Legal Office where learning was as important as breathing. Colleagues encouraged him to start college classes, and the resulting academic success greatly increased his self-esteem and ambition. Equally important, Bill met his soulmate and mother of his three sons. Bill and Jean Barton were married August 8, 1952, in Raton, New Mexico and remained married for 65 years.
Bill Barton graduated Cum Laude from Colorado College with a BA in 1957, received his MBA from the University of New Mexico in 1960, and his PhD from The University of Missouri in 1970. He began his teaching career at Colorado College in 1958 as an Instructor, working up to full Professor in the Economics and Business Department. Professor Emeritus Barton received the Gresham Riley Award from the Colorado College Alumni Association in 2000 in recognition of his loyal and unwavering support of his alma mater and for making a significant difference to the college community through outstanding service, commitment, and accomplishments. Dr. Barton made an equally significant impact on the lives of students at Colorado College and was recognized for his unique style, his friendship, a smile that lights up his entire face, and an encyclopedic memory of his students at the Endowed Professorship Celebration on November 15, 2012.
Bill and Jean Barton retired in Paonia on the property of their dreams; with plenty of land for orchards, hay fields, farming, and animals. Bill loved horses, was an avid gardener, fisherman, and hunter. He loved his family, his Colorado farm, and the activities he pursued during a long and successful life. Bill Barton is survived by his wife Jean Barton in Paonia; sons Randy and his wife Patti; David; Mark, his wife Billie, and her daughter Hannah; his grandchildren Scott; Brad, his wife Colleen, their late son Henry, and twin daughters Harriet and Mae; Wes; Allison and her husband Kyle; Haley, and their late mother Carol; Jessica and her husband Gerad; Rachel, and their mother Cathy.
A memorial service for Bill Barton is being planned in Paonia, Colorado, in January 2018.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William "Bill" Barton's name to: Colorado College at: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/us/giving/ways-to-give.html OR call (800)-782-6306, option 1.