Charles Barton

Charles Cullen Barton, 88, of Bertram, left his earthly body on Sunday, July 10, 2016 to be with his Lord and Savior. A faithful spiritual leader, active public servant, and devoted family man, Charles was a lifetime Bertram resident. Born August 26, 1927 in Shady Grove, he attended Providence School and graduated a Bertram High School Panther in 1945. From there he served a two-year tour in the U.S. Navy. He returned to Bertram where he met and married Mary Nell Norris in 1948. They were married for over 55 years and raised four daughters. After attending Southwestern University and Tarleton State Teachers College, Charles graduated from Southwest Texas Teachers College with a BS degree and taught school for one year in Briggs. In 1951 he accepted a commission from President Truman as Postmaster of the Bertram Post Office, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. Following retirement he and his brother Herman ranched together. In 2009 he was awarded the 100 Year Texas Family Land Heritage Award for continuous agricultural contribution to the state’s economy.

During that time span he served as deacon (and later Deacon Emeritus) of FBC Bertram, Sunday school teacher and choir member. Charles was a charter member of the Burnet-Llano County chapter of Gideons, serving until 2014. He conducted Lay revivals in San Bernardino and Boston.

Charles was a devoted member and steward of the Bertram community. During the time he was president of the Bertram Development Corporation, he was responsible for establishing and operating the Bertram swimming pool and the Bertram Nursing Home. He was a 42-year member of the Southern Basketball Officials Association where he called high school and college games throughout the area. For years, even after his retirement from officiating, he was regarded as one of the fairest and most professional officials in the association. He coached youth baseball for 13 years, was a member of the Lions Club, Volunteer Fire Chief and served as a member and officer of the Shady Grove Cemetery Association.

Charles was loved and will be missed by his sister, Wilnora Arnold and sister-in-law Arlee Barton; his children, Mary E (Beth) Barton, Barbara Jordan & husband Jack, Charlette Scarborough, and Sarah Damron & husband Alan; 8 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred H and Beulah Inman Barton, brothers Herman Barton and Wayne Alton Barton, brother-in-law James Barto Arnold II, and the love of his life, Mary Nell Barton.

Pallbearers are Loyd Roberts, Cullen Henderson, Jack Jordan, Robbie Jordan, Matthew Jordan, Justin Scarborough, Stephen Arnold, and Alan Damron. Honorary pallbearers include the Deacons of First Baptist Church Bertram, Shawn Lewis, Jordan Manuel, Abdul Seruyange, Larry Barton, Keith Thurman, Barto Arnold, Charlie Burton, and Joe Avery.

The family wishes to thank his pastor Gordon Bergstrom, the staff of Bertram Nursing Home and Rehab Center, the doctors and staff of Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, and the caring staff of Hospice Austin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Burnet/Llano Chapter of Gideons International PO Box 33 Bertram TX 78605 or the First Baptist Church Bertram Building Fund PO Box 1602 Bertram TX 78605.

Visitation was held Tuesday July 12, 2016 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday July 13, 2016 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church in Bertram.

Arrangements were made by Clements Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com