The Reverend Donald R. Barton of Springfield, 81, died on Friday, February 12, 2010, in Manor Care nursing home in Springfield after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Don was born on August 19, 1928 in Baltimore, Md. He received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wichita (now Wichita State University) in 1951, and a Master's in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va. in 1967. He served in the United States Navy from 1951-1954. Thereafter he worked as a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance in Wichita until entering seminary in 1964. He served as an Episcopal priest in churches in Kansas and Missouri. He was rector of Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church in Branson from 1970 until his retirement in 1991. After retirement he continued to conduct services at various area churches until 2001. He served in many and various capacities in the church during his ministry. He was honored for his ministry by twice being awarded the Bishop's Shield, and was made an honorary Canon of the Church. His community involvement included six years as a member of the Branson Board of Education, and as president of the local branch of the American Red Cross. His contributions to the Branson area were recognized in 1989 when he received the Mary Award from the Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Don was united in marriage with Lois Anderson on July 27, 1952 in Wellington, Kan. She survives of the home. He is also survived by their four children, Donna Durrin of Tulsa, Okla.; Bob Barton and wife Mimi Doherty of Kansas City, Mo.; and Tom Barton and Jim Barton of Springfield. He is also survived by his four granddaughters, Megan DeGregorio and Sarah DeGregorio of Tulsa; and Christina Barton and Liz Barton of Kansas City. Survivors also include his brother, Leonard Bull of Idaho; and Dora Turner of Maryland, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winfield and Mildred Bull. Don loved his Lord and God and his family very deeply. One of his greatest joys was baptizing his four granddaughters. He had a wonderful sense of humor about himself and this world, which he might have mentioned as being particularly helpful in his chosen profession. When he served as vice president of the Branson school board, he jokingly said he was "president of vice." He enjoyed a good book, a good meal, and the company of friends. He was a good man and a good and faithful servant, and he will be missed. Memorial services are under the direction of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, 2010 in St. James Episcopal Church, 2645 East Southern Hills Blvd. in Springfield. A memorial service will be held in St. James at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 15, 2010 with The Rt. Rev. Barry Howe, Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri, officiating, with The Rev. Ross Stuckey assisting. Interment of ashes will be made at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 107 Walnut Lane, Branson, MO 65616, or to St. James Church. The family extends is heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Manor Care for their loving care and support of Don during his last months of his life. The family also extends its thanks to the many friends who visited Don at the home.