Kenneth Leon Barton, 89, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Deerfield Nursing Home with his loving wife of 65 years by his side. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at McLaren’s.
Leon was born February 1, 1933 in Redfield, Iowa to Maurice and Iva (Wagaman) Barton. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and after graduation he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Leon married Josephine Hamman on June 23, 1957 in Des Moines. He served as a firefighter on the Des Moines Fire Department and retired after 30 years of service.
Leon enjoyed fixing and tinkering with anything and everything, collecting license plates and coins, classic cars, researching family genealogy, playing cards, reading and watching westerns, enjoying family gatherings, spending time at Northern Minnesota lakes, and watching the Iowa State Cyclones and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of the VFW in Waukee, Izaac Walton League, and the YMCA.
Leon is survived by his wife, Jo; three sons, Greg (Laura Fuller), Jeff (Larisa) and Scott (Sharry); four grandchildren, Kelsey (Ross) Loving, Katie Ayala, Trey Barton and Zach Barton; two great-grandchildren, Reagan Ayala and Bray Loving; and sister, LaVonne Nicodemus. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill Barton.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Suncrest Hospice for their wonderful care while he was at Deerfield.
