Paul A. Barton

Wednesday, September 29, 1948
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Age:
65 years old
Paul A. Barton
Paul Arnold Barton, age 65 of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home after a challenging fight with cancer, on December 19, 2013.
Paul was born on September 29, 1948 in Kansas City, KS to Harry and Beverlee Barton. He graduated from Duluth East High School in 1966. He then graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a BA degree in business. On June 24, 1972, he married Jane Frances Gabiou at The Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca, MN. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged in 1973. Paul worked in banking in Duluth, Willmar, St. Cloud, and Rochester, holding the position of Bank Manager for USBank Rochester, retiring in 2008. He then worked as the CEO for Bear Creek Services of Rochester, and retired this fall, due to his illness. Paul served as a board member for numerous charitable organizations, including the Rochester Public Library, The Diversity Council, Gamehaven Boy Scout Council, Rochester Senior Center, Rotary Club of Rochester, the Rochester Art Center, and as a founding board member of OMC Regional Foundation. He also played an active role in the Rotary USBank Holiday Classic and was an active volunteer at United Way of Olmsted County.
Paul is survived by his wife Jane of 41 years, his daughters, Dr. Magdalen “Maggie” (Chris) Edmunds of Berkeley, CA, Elizabeth “Beth” (Aaron) Conway of Missoula, MT, Kathryn “Kate” Barton of Rochester, a sister JoAnna DeSart of Orlando, FL, a brother John A. “Jack” (Sally) Barton of Olive Branch, MS, grandchildren Gabrielle, Samuel and Faye Conway and Oscar and Beverley Edmunds, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Beyond Paul’s community roles, he was truly dedicated to his family, and was an excellent role model. He will be missed.
A Memorial Mass for Paul will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:30AM on Friday, December 27, 2013, officiated by Father Paul E. Nelson. Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday December 26, 2013 and one hour prior to the Mass. Burial of Paul’s ashes will be in Calvary Cemetery Waseca, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Bear Creek Services, Rochester Public School Foundation, or Mayo Hospice.
Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Paul A. Barton has received the following condolences.
Dear Family. Deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Paul was a wonderful person. I knew him through Rotary and his many services to that organization. He was so respected and loved. Until it closed we had lunch once or twice a month on the 3rd floor food court of what is now University Center -- tending to gravitate to the same restaurant. He always asked how things were going for me and his inquiry was always sincere and warmly stated -- as he was truly interested in all he interacted with. I was so pleased that he was recruited by Bear Creek Services as I knew his special skills, empathy for others, and conscientiousness would be ideal for an organiztion serving the developmentally disabled and tramatic brain injury. Many mourn your loss. Once again, deepest sympathy.
Jane & Family,
I am sending you my deepest heartfelt sympathy. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend a little time with both of you (PB & J) on my last pass through Rochester on my way to Winona. We shared a meal and now cherished conversation in your lovely 4 season porch. Your love and respect of one another so evident during that visit. Sending you a warm hug!
Although I didn't know Paul well, I had the opportunity to chat with him several times at Bear Creek when I was there for Park and Rec. events. What an amazing and caring man - no matter how busy, he always had the time to stop and say hello. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
On this special day, for the world, for the christians, for us,I think of family Gabiou and I pray a prayer in memory of Paul Barton.
. My sincere condolences,Jane,daugthers and family
Blessings
María Diva y Ricardo Poblete Vergara
Our hearts are filled with caring thoughts. Sending you love and strength as you remember the love you had for Paul.
Jean, Steve, and Katie Greseth
We have been blessed to have had Paul in our life. The smiles and deep concern he had for us as well as everyone around us is truly special. May God continue to bless your family.
Dear Jane,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time of farewell for Paul. We will keep
all of you in our prayers, in the hope that the celebration of his life's work will live on in the
good works he obviously showed to others.
We are thankful to Maria, in Chilli, for letting us know.
Blessings,
Love, Gene and Margaret Gregor
I did not know Paul for long I met him thru my wife at Bear Creek Services. A garden at one of the homes needed some love and attention so after talking with paul we worked together on this project to a great success. This last year my garden buddy told me of his situation and his love of golf and his discomfort but hoped we could continue next season. I'm sorry to see my garden buddy gone but I know he is enjoying the ripest tomatoes. He is, was a great man and person and loved life and made everything and everyone around him better.
Hello Jane,
I was so sad to hear of Paul's death. Paul was an amazing United Way of Central Minnesota volunteer. He was a leader who was kind and always looked to the future and what was possible. You were a tremendous teacher to my son during some very challenging times we had as a family. Sending you a big hug from all of us up in the St. Cloud area who know you and your family. You gave so many gifts to all of us. Love,
Betty Schnettler
Jane--Diane and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your lovely daughters at the passing of Paul. Diane said he was one of the nicest men she has ever known. I always enjoyed Paul's professionalism and his dry humor--I don't recall how many years we worked with Paul at First Bank-Willmar but he made it a joy to come to work every day. May your memories of your life with Paul keep you and your daughters strong during this time of grief.
Just after I arrived in AZ for the Christmas holidays,I received an e-mail from Lois Nietz with the sad news that Paul had lost his hard fought fight with cancer on 12/19. I am so sorry for that loss to all of you and to our community.
Paul was not only a friend but a mentor to me over so many years of community involvement. Paul's interest and compassion for the mission, vision and staff of so many nonprofit organizations in our community leaves a great legacy. He didn't just participate in organizational leadership, he took it to a level of ownership that was a unique contribution to the organization and those who served it.
I am so sorry I will not be back in Rochester until after Paul's services, but do know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Your presence, care and concern for his comfort these last months returned to him what he has given to so many others over the years.
May God's presence and comfort be with you at this time.
With fondness and special memories of Paul,
Karel Weigel
I have never met anyone that had the respect of every single person he had ever gotten to know. Even if someone is "well liked", there are always a few people here and there that don't like that person. But not with Paul. It was 100%. It was impossible to not be fond of him. He'll be missed in many circles. ---- Brian
As you celebrate the life and legacy of Paul's love for family and community, may God bring peace to you. Certainly, this gentle giant, will be forever watchful.
Heartfelt condolences to all of you, a most wonderful family who lost a most wonderful man. The Conways (Beth, Aaron, Gabs, Samuel and Faye) are very close friends; we cherish them. We are here for you and send you peace and love in this toughest of times. We love you so.
Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. I always thought you and Paul must have truly been a "match made in Heaven" because you were only 18 when you met at that UMD Mixer, right? the June bride at 21, the 3 girls. You were beaming when you showed Sacred Heart Reunion classmates your book of family photos. God blessed you and Paul in many ways. Blessings to you and your girls as you go through the next part of life. Sincerely, Kim Charlebois
To Family & Friends,
I only had the opportunity to know Paul for a couple of summers with the Rochester golf group that I was fortunate to join a few years ago. It was always an enjoyable experience to golf and talk with Paul on the course and during our travels to the courses by auto. He was a very thoughtful individual that was genuine in everyway. It was very apparent that God and Family were the most important aspects of his life. I learned even more about he did during his years on this earth by reading his obituary. It was an honor for me to get to know Paul if only for a short time.
My sincere condolences to his Wife, Children, Grandchildren, and Extended Family.
Gary Reinholtz