Timothy J Barton

Timothy James Barton, age 67, of La Jara, Colorado, passed away the morning of March 23rd, surrounded by many of his loved ones. He was born in Lombard, Illinois, on December 31, 1958, to William and Genevieve Barton.

Tim is survived by his fiancée, McKenzie Coleman; his six children, William, Robert, Tyler, Laura, Angela, and Janie; and twelve grandchildren. He also leaves behind his Niece, Tina, and Nephew, Daniel (Buddy), and their families, his ex-wife, Diane Barton, along with many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Daniel Barton.

Tim retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Throughout his 28-year career with IDOC, he served in many roles, including:

Senior Parole Agent - Special Intensive Supervision Unit,

Senior Parole Agent - Sex Offender Unit,

Hostage Negotiator: NeMaT - State Wide Team: Instructor / Trainer,

Firearms Instructor / Trainer.

Previous law enforcement titles included:

Police Officer

Police Officer - Gang Unit

Supervisor III

Sargent of Police

Throughout Tim’s career, he earned numerous certifications from the FBI. Tim loved to advance his knowledge to better position himself to help others.

Retirement did not suit Tim. After retiring from the state of Illinois, he became an Instructor of Criminal Justice at Brown Mackie College. He worked for the United States Marshals Service before starting a private investigation company. He also opened an indoor shooting range, where he taught firearms self-defense techniques to people of all ages. He then moved out west to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Tim was also passionate about serving within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved to share his testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He believed that all peace comes through Christ. He was “like a dad” to so many, especially to those who needed one most—guiding children without fathers and teaching them to find strength and comfort in their Heavenly Father. He believed in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, he followed the admonition of Paul—He believed all things, he hoped all things, he endured many things, and hoped to be able to endure all things. If there was anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, he sought after those things.

Throughout his life and career, Tim held many prestigious titles, but the one he cherished most was the title of Grandpa!