Jess Ernest Barton

Jess Ernest Barton died on Friday, March 18, 2022. He was born in Springville, Utah on January 16, 1935 to Daniel Martin Barton and Nellie Bird Barton. He grew up in Springville and graduated from Springville High School in 1953. He was on the high school football and track teams, lettering in track. He began working for Geneva Steel (U.S. Steel Corporation) in 1953 while still completing his last week of high school. He joined the Army in 1954 where he served in Fort Campbell, KY and Korea. He received an honorable discharge from the Army transferring to the Army Reserve in 1956. Jess continued working for Geneva Steel for the next thirty years retiring in 1983. He married Melba Jean Cowan on August 19, 1959 in Payson, Utah. They have two children, Kristy and Dan.

Jess loved the outdoors, horses and hunting. He was a member of Hobble Creek Riding Club for many years where he served as president in 1968. He also owned and trained several racehorses. After his horse racing years, he became a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He owned and trained many beautiful horses and won numerous awards and championships. He enjoyed traveling to horse shows with his family and the wonderful friends he made during this time. Jess was an avid hunter and an excellent marksman earning the nickname “deadeye” because he rarely missed his mark. He also enjoyed traveling and for many years spent a few weeks in February avoiding the cold winter days in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Jess is survived by his daughter Kristy Barton and son Dan (Shannon) Barton, grandchildren Jestyn (Kevin) Child, Ryan, Isaac and Jack. Great grandchildren Hayden, Aizlyn, Emery and Sage, brother Robert D. Barton (Dee) and sister Elaine Brown (Arnie).

He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Barton, granddaughter Shandyn and siblings Dan K. Barton, Carma Duncan and brother-in-law Jim Duncan.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S in Springville. There will be a viewing at the mortuary from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

For those unable to join us in person, you may view the service HERE