David Avril Barton

April 6, 1952 ~ December 22, 2010
David Arvil Barton, age 58, passed away from his earthly struggle in the early morning on December 22, 2010, surrounded by his family.
He was born on a beautiful Easter morning April 6, 1952 in Monticello, UT to Clyde Moyle and Nina Sessions Barton.
David learned to work hard at an early age working with his dad and brother Karl on the family ranch. He loved being with his dad out riding horses and tending the cows.
He grew up and attended school in Monticello, graduating from Monticello High School in 1970. David was an outstanding wrestler in high school. He also participated in football.
After high school, he attended Dixie College, where he completed a degree in Auto Mechanics in 1972.
From 1973 to 1975, David faithfully served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Ontario Toronto Mission.
He loved the people of Canada, especially those he met and served on his mission.
On April 30, 1976 he married Tamara Taylor in the St. George LDS Temple. After a brief stay in Monticello, the couple made their home in Blanding, UT where they raised their children: Lisa, Tad, Meg, Marnee and Kesian.
He served in many church callings, including home teacher, primary teacher, in the elders quorum, stake missionary and ward clerk.
David spent his working years driving truck.
He drove for Reed Hurst, PBI Wycoff, Cooper Jones (Canyonlands Dairy) and Meadow Gold.
For the past ten years he drove for Cosby Trucking where he considered his “boss”, Dennis, like a brother.
David used the work ethic taught to him by his dad early in life throughout his career. His employers and co-workers frequently commented on how dependable, honest and hardworking he was.
David had a special way with animals. He always had pets, many of which he trained himself. From horses to pigeons and everything in between, he never met an animal he didn’t like, and he loved caring for them.
He had a great and unique sense of humor which he kept throughout his struggles in his latter life.
Many family members and friends were treated to a good laugh even when he was so weak he could barely speak.
Even when his own health was fleeting, he kept in mind those others who were ill. He always had a tender heart and empathy for those less fortunate.
David loved the cowboy life. He loved breaking colts and chasing cows. Along with the cowboy life, he loved cowboy music, and he lived by the lyrics of the song by Chris LeDoux, “Sit tall in the saddle, and hold your head up high. Set your eyes where the trail meets the sky, and live like you’re not afraid to die, and don’t be scared. Just enjoy the ride.”
He is survived by his wife, Tamara Barton; children Lisa, Tad, Meg (Cory) Snow, Marnee and Kesian; brother Karl (LaRue) Barton of Bluff, UT; sister, Barbara (Tom) Callister of Delta, UT; grandchildren Chandler Billsie, Tyson Billsie, Kamari Billsie, Kae Snow and Javan Snow; and by many friends.
He is preceded in death by parents Clyde and Nina Barton, grandparents Arvil and Haddy Sessions and Karl and Ella Barton.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 28, 2010 in Blanding, UT.
Card of thanks
The family would like to express a special thanks to Dee Street for her loving care. They would also like to thank the Blanding Second Ward and all of those who have supported them with thoughts, prayers, meals, monetary donations and acts of service and kindness throughout David’s illness.