C Gene Barton

C. Gene Barton, 88, of Fort Smith died September 28, 2016 in Van Buren. He was born on February 26, 1928 in Mangum, Oklahoma to Raymond Bentley and Doris Lucille Riek Barton. He moved to NW Arkansas at a young age and was a veteran of the Korean War, and the recipient of the Bronze Star. After returning from the war, he attended Okmulgee Tech and graduated with a degree in heavy equipment mechanics. He worked many years in the oil fields in Venezuela and Columbia. After retiring in Venezuela, he returned to the United States and worked in the Gulf of Mexico for several years and then, retired a second time. He loved traveling and fishing with his wife, as well as hunting with friends and family.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Charlicey; his parents, Ray and Doris Barton; one sister, Rada Miller; three brothers, Curt, Kenneth and Farrell Barton; one daughter, Luana Pershall and one granddaughter, Gabrielle Tabarez.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Gloria and son-in-law, Jim Shannon of Fort Smith; his son, Carrell Gene Barton, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Beverly of Shreveport, LA; his daughter, Faye Villines and son-in-law Richard of Van Buren, AR.

He was an amazing and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. We will miss his loving face and the way he liked to say, in his own words “aggravate everyone”. We love you, Dad.

Graveside service will be Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Bethesda Cemetery near Dutch Mills, AR under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5-7 PM. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com