Carl Fenton

Hartley “Carl” Fenton, age 89, of Columbia, passed away at Boone Hospital on January 25, 2021, with his loving wife, Betty, and daughters by his side. Betty Ann Fenton, age 84, of Columbia, passed away at The Timbers, assisted living home in Holts Summit on January 29, 2021, surrounded by family and staff.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of respect to our family and friends, a private memorial and graveside service will be held only for immediate family, but the services will be livestreamed Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11:00 am on the funeral home's Facebook page at Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory, and Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia.

Carl and Betty were both born in Columbia, Missouri. They were married May 20, 1955, at First Christian Church in Columbia.

They are survived by daughters; Debra Guthrie (Stephen) and Connie Fenton of Columbia, grandchildren; Jason Guthrie (Kim) of Jefferson City, Sara Noda (Tyler) of St. Charles, and Carlee Fenton of Columbia.

Carl and Betty were preceded in death by their daughter, Peggy Leigh Fenton, in 1961.

Carl was born September 22, 1931, to Hartley Banks Fenton and Mora Pearl Phillippe. He is survived by his sister, Helen Graves, and brother, Dale Fenton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hartley and Mora Fenton, and brothers Ralph, Donald, and Nelson Fenton.

Betty was born January 27, 1937, to Emmitt (Ray) Wade and Helen Amanda West; both preceded her in death.

Carl and Betty both attended the Wade School, in north Columbia. Carl went on to graduate from University High School in 1949, and Betty graduated from Hickman High School in 1954.

Carl grew up working in the family’s dairy business, except for two years of military service with the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Carl returned to the family business following his discharge.

Shortly thereafter, Carl saw Betty at the Missouri State Fair where he commented to his brother, “Someday, that girl will be my wife”. After their first-date, it was destined that they would spend sixty-five glorious years, inseparable, making memories together.

Following their marriage, Carl decided to become a barber and graduated from the Barber School in Kansas City. He opened his own barber shop, Route B Barber Shop, in 1966 and successfully operated as a proud, small business owner for thirty-seven years. He loved barbering and serving his customers. When he would go out to eat, it was common to have multiple people come over during the meal to pay their respects. He had a passion for people and always loved telling a good story whether it was politically correct or not. He was a man who did not shy from his beliefs and always gave everybody he met a fair shake.

Betty chose to stay at home and committed herself to supporting Carl and raising their family. She was an excellent cook (no different than her mother, Helen) and was always making the “family favorites” for special meals and occasions. If you had the privilege to enjoy a meal at the Fenton household, you knew you would be leaving the table uncomfortably full. The way she could effortlessly prepare a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings was only genuinely appreciated a year ago when the rest of the family all pitched in to try and replicate the meal during the holiday season.

For Carl and Betty, “family was first”, which meant: traveling out-of-state over thirty years to celebrate special occasions with family; Jason never having a haircut from anyone other than his Grandpa till age 15; attending all of (and sometimes Carl dancing at) Carlee’s dance recitals; and Sara sharing with Grandma a passion for quilting which she continues to this day.

Carl loved his farm and his cows. Even though he had many run-ins with his livestock over the years; most notably falling in the trough while feeding, and jumping into a frigid creek to save a calf, both events occurring when he was well into his 70’s, he always cared deeply for them and they brought him great satisfaction.

Betty loved the holiday season when the family would all be together. Nothing brought her greater joy than her family all being around her and sharing the same stories and traditions we have had for a long time. You always knew she was telling a great story that she found funny because before she could even finish the punchline or ending, she would usually start cackling so hard we all wondered if she would get through it. This passion for life and being with ones she loved, made for so many special moments we will cherish forever.

The last two years of their lives Carl and Betty lived at The Timbers of Holts Summit (family owned and operated assisted living home) which allowed them to see their daughter and grandson every day, and surrounded by caring and compassionate caregivers.

While the passing of both Carl and Betty within a five-day period is very emotional and traumatic, neither of them could have imagined living without the other. We are all blessed they continue to be together forever.

The family wants to express their sincere appreciation to the many, many family and friends who have shared their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Coyote Hill PO Box 1 Harrisburg, MO 65256 https://coyotehill.org/waystohelp/tributes/.