Bruce J Barton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at his home in Manti. He lived an accomplished life for 88 years as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, musician, sheep rancher, and friend to many.
He was born June 22, 1928, in Manti, Utah, the son of Alden K. and Hazel J. Barton. Bruce was one of six children. He grew up in Manti and graduated from Manti High School. He attended Utah State University and then married Barbara Jane Funk on Sept. 7, 1951 in the Manti Temple.
Bruce was a distinguished sheep rancher. His enthusiasm for his livestock and ranching never diminished. As a boy, he was a jockey for C. H. (Toot) Beal. He was a district winner in the Future Farmers of American public speaking contest. He was awarded the State Farmer Degree and awarded a Sears and Roebuck scholarship to Utah State University. He received the Utah Young Farmers Leadership award. Bruce was Prom Master for his Junior Prom.
Bruce was very active in music from junior high through college and beyond, loving especially the Big Band Era and played in several different bands throughout the state of Utah. He was the president of the Sanpete Wool Growers Association. He was a committee member for the Boy Scouts of America, President and other positions in the Lions Club, a Republican precinct chairperson, and active in the Manti Horse Riding Club for many years.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Elders Quorum President, High Priest Quorum Advisor, and counselor in the Sunday School presidency.
Survivors include His loving wife Barbara Jane; children: daughters; Mary Ruth Brunger (Tom); Rebecca Hullinger (Steve); son, Roger M Barton, 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sister, Elaine Allred (Doug).
He was preceded in death by daughter, Dianne Williams Reightley and son, John Bruce Barton; parents; brothers, George (Betty), Lee (Joy), and Donald (Barbara Sue); sister, Virginia (Keith).
Funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 at noon in the Manti 8th Ward Chapel, 295 S Main, Manti. A viewing will be held Sunday, Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m. and Monday 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com.
