Ernest F. Barton, Lubbock media pioneer and community leader, passed away on September 30, 2018. Ernest was born February 1930 in Laredo, Texas to Ernest and Juanita (Trevino) Barton. After graduating from Martin High School, he joined the National Guard while he attended Laredo College. Ernest continued to serve his country by joining the Air Force. Upon returning home he continued his education at the University of Texas. He married Manuela Martinez in Laredo, Texas and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage, rarely spent time apart and raised three children.
Ernest moved his family to Lubbock in 1967 and started KLFB, the first Spanish AM radio station in West Texas. During the 1970 Lubbock tornado his station provided vital emergency information and much needed hope to the Spanish speaking community. For his efforts Ernest was awarded a Presidential Commendation from then President Richard Nixon. Ernest produced Lubbock’s first weekly Spanish community affairs TV program, “Si Se Puede”, which he hosted for 40 years. He was the City of Lubbock’s first Human Relations Director and served as one of the founding directors of the Lubbock Rape Crisis Center. Continuing his commitment to serve his community, Ernest began publishing West Texas Hispanic News, a weekly bilingual newspaper that ran for 41 years. In 1992 Ernest and Manuela started Lubbock’s KEJS-FM radio station that serves the West Texas area to this day.
Through the use of media and civic involvement, Ernest made sure all West Texans, regardless of language or other barriers, were made aware of the important issues facing their families. He was a member of several civic boards and received several awards for a lifetime of service and commitment to the West Texas area. Ernest was an avid Astros fan and enjoyed their 2017 World Series Championship.
Ernest and Manuela are members of Christ the King Catholic Church. Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, he will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, oldest son Ernest Barton, Jr., and younger brother Richard. He is survived by his wife Manuela, son James and wife, Cheryl, and daughter Sandra Barton Wallace and husband, Allan. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Penny Hey and husband, Brian; Harold Loveless III; Kristina Barton Bernatis and husband, Kyle; Alicia Barton Jimenez and husband, Isaac; Elayna Barton Baca and husband, Trent; Alana Wallace and Amanda Wallace and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Christ the King Cathedral. Interment will be held in Laredo, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christ the King Cathedral “Pray it Off Burn the Mortgage” fund, 4011 54th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79413.
