Lee Barton

Lee Barton

Manti, Utah

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Lee R. Barton, passed away Friday, January 30, 2015, in Centerfield, Utah, at the age of 90. Lee was born October 28, 1924, in Manti, Utah, to Alden K. and Hazel Jessen Barton. He attended Manti schools and Utah State University. Lee served in the US Navy during World War II.

He married his eternal companion, Zella Rae Christensen on December 19, 1947, in the Manti LDS Temple. She preceded him in death. He married Norma S. Wanlass in 1987. After her passing, he married Joy C. Sunderland in 1999.

A third generation sheepman, Lee raised livestock and farmed all his life. He was highly regarded in the agriculture profession. Lee sold his sheep operation and began raising turkeys in 1988. The value and importance of a good name, of living a life of character and honor, and the reality that one reaps what was carefully sown were values he lived by. Lee was known as a man of integrity, doing business all his life with a handshake. Lee was hardworking, wise, and fair-minded. He was an effective but unassuming leader.

Lee was devoted to his family and farm and was known for a life of service to his church, his profession and his community. Professionally, he has been director of the National Wool Marketing Corporation, vice president of the Utah Wool Marketing Association, president of the Utah Woolgrowers Association, on the board of directors of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Sanpete County Soil Conservation District Board, and served on the board of directors of the South Central Region of Zions Bank. He was recognized as Sheepman of the Year, Farmer of the Year, and received an honorary degree from Snow College.

As a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served as vice commander and commander of American Legion Post 31.

Lee was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as bishop of the Manti Center Ward and president of the South Sanpete Stake. While he was presiding over the South Sanpete Stake, it was divided into the Manti Stake, the Ephraim Stake, and the Snow College Stake. He was then called as president of the Manti Stake. He also served as the Manti Temple Centennial committee chair, Mormon Miracle Pageant president, Manti Temple president, and was a Manti Temple sealer until his passing. He served in the Manti Temple for 27 years.

Lee is survived by his wife, Joy, children: Douglas Lee (Marianne) Barton, Kay Christensen (Becky) Barton, Janice (Scott) Hintze, Lisa Rae (Carl) Anderson; 20 grandchildren, and 37 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce J (Barbara) Barton and sister, Elaine B (Doug) Allred.

Lee was preceded in death by his wife, parents; brothers, George and Donald Barton and sister, Virginia Barton Sudweeks.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 12:00 Noon in the Manti LDS Stake Center, 555 East Union, Manti, Utah, where friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Manti Cemetery with Military Rites by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com