Obituary: Barton, Donald A.
Age 92
(Age 92) Don passed into the loving arms of Jesus on December 6, 2013.
He was born June 7, 1921, to Jess and Ethel Barton and grew up on a farm.
He graduated Mead High School and attended Washington State College.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps.
After training he became a pilot instructor but felt he was not doing enough for our country, so he asked to be transferred into action and became a B-29 pilot for the rest of the war with 25 missions.
After the war, Don came home to Half Moon Prairie to farm.
He soon met Melba Jeanne Yates, and they were married December 27, 1946.
They raised three daughters on the farm.
In his successful farming years, Don trained several nephews and many other young men during the summers.
His work ethic and patience were an inspiration to many, and his devotion to his family was amazing.
Don was instrumental in building Country Homes Christian Church in 1960 and, more recently, was a member of First Church of the Nazarene.
He was a 79-year member and leader of Half Moon Grange and a Deputy for Washington State Grange.
He and his wife were active members of the Grange Camper Club for many years, and they traveled south many winters in their motorhome.
Don is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Melba Jeanne; and three daughters, Sylvia Miller (Dave), Beverly Barton, and Karen Collier (Jim); one sister, Barbara McBride; four grandchildren, Chris (Michelle), Andrea (Alan), Dawn (Brian), and Debbi; one great-granddaughter, Luci; one brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Barton.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 28 at First Church of The Nazarene, 9004 Country Homes Blvd., Spokane.
Memorial Gifts may be made to The Union Gospel Mission.