Paul Barton

Paul L. Barton, 80, of Viola, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Ill. Services are 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Viola United Methodist Church. Burial is at Viola Cemetery. Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola. Memorials may be made to Viola United Methodist Church or Miles Memorial Park Committee. He was born Aug. 6, 1929, inDeLong, Ill., the son of Clyde and Edith Whittenmeyer Barton. He married Pauline Selle May 28, 1955, in Viola. They later divorced. Mr. Barton worked at John Deere Harvester in East Moline for 40 years, retiring on Sept. 1, 1987. He enjoyed bowling for the Barton Brothers team and loved watching his grandkids' sporting events. For many years he coached both hardball and softball in Viola and served on the Viola Hardball Association board. Paul was an active member of Viola United Methodist Church. He was the treasurer for over 40 years, served on many committees and loved attending church functions. Known as the town handymen, Paul and Rick helped many people and mowed many yards. Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Lisa Barton, Viola, and Jeff and Lori Barton, Milan; four grandchildren, Josh, Jessica, Chase and Erin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth "Bake" and Marilyn Barton, Alpha, Roy Barton, Galesburg, Gene and Thelma Barton, Alpha, and Dave and Loretta Barton, New Windsor; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, George and Harold.