John Wesley Barton

John “Big John” Wesley Barton, 64, of Menan, died Wednesday, January 04, 2012 peacefully at his home. He was born July 9, 1947 in Murray, Utah to Wesley Franklin Barton and Faye Gardner Barton while they lived in Midvale, Utah. He was raised and attended schools in Moab, Utah, graduating from high school in Moab. He continued his education in Milwaukee. On April 24, 1972, he married Vickie Dianne Tischner whom he loved, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple; to this union they added 5 children. They later divorced but friendship remained. He later met the love of his life Linda Rowbury Wylie and on June 10, 2004 they were married in Rigby, Idaho. He worked as a Journeyman Meterman Foreman for Utah Power and Light for 28 years until early retirement, at which time he returned to school, becoming a certified massage therapist. After he and Linda married they returned to school for equine massage and chiropractics. They worked together in this profession until he became too ill to work. He excelled in many talents, including Dutch-oven cooking, jewelry making, sharpening, and driving any vehicle. His entire life was centered around his family, children, grandchildren and his beloved wife. “Big John” had great love for anything outdoors and took great delight in helping others. His family was his passion. He totally embraced all of his children’s friends as well as his step-family. He felt deep devotion to his faith in the LDS church and his Heavenly Father. He is survived by his wife, Linda Barton, of Menan, daughters, Kaylynn Yates, of Rexburg, Jennifer (Josh) Cutts, of Rigby, sons, Michael Barton, of Idaho Falls, Jared (Patti) Barton, of Pocatello, Preston (Heidi) Barton, of Rigby, 3 step-daughters, 7 step-sons, sisters, Meris Secrest, of Roosevelt, Utah, Kathryn (Garry) Bond, of Draper, Utah, Carol (Bob) Robertson, 11 grandchildren, 24 step-grandchildren and 27 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m., Monday, January 9, 2012, at the Menan Stake Center, 698 N. 3600 E., Menan, with Bishop Roger Clark, conducting. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main St. Rigby, and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the Church. Burial will be in the Sutton Cemetery under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.