Curtis Elgan Barton was born in Alton, Missouri on February 19, 1948, then changed his address from earth to glory on March 29, 2025.
Curtis was the seventh child born to Elgan and Bonnie Barton. In Curtis’ words, “they saved the best for last”. He attended Alton School and graduated in 1966. His senior yearbook held many comments stating how funny or mischievous he was, how he was a good singer, and had the nicknames Monk and Barton Carton.
Curtis married Linda Bassham on June 1, 1968. During their 55 years together, he was a milk delivery man, car salesman, insurance agent, and business owner, he tinkered in everything and moved eight times. They had two kids, Andrea and Adam, who they raised singing and learning to do God’s work.
Curtis spent his down time doing things he loved. In his thirties and forties, he loved playing softball and would put together a church team yearly. Then it turned into sitting on his porch waving to any honking car, fishing from a boat or on land, or tinkering in the garage.
Overall, Curits loved people. When a customer would enter their Sears store, he would yell “hello” from anywhere in the store. You might also hear him say, “If I was doing any better…” or “never felt better and had less”. He also loved being in the presence of his grandchildren – Andrew, Hannah, Harmony and Cadence.
He volunteered to cook or help at every fundraiser, reunion, fish fry, ice cream social, but was also volun-told to participate in parades, plays, and concerts, which he then brought jokes and laughter.
As he approached death, he told the doctor, “God has given me a few more days to witness. Doc, do you believe?” He faced death with peace, promises he held onto, and with positivity that heaven would be better.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda, his parents Elgan and Bonnie Barton, his parents-in-law Talmage and Eunice Bassham, 3 brothers, 1 sister, 2 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, and many other family members and great friends.
Curtis was a proud Gideon member.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons and can be left at the funeral home.
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April 8, 2025 @ 9:40 am
Family, our sincerest condolences to you all. Curtis was a fine man. May he rest in peace.
April 9, 2025 @ 5:41 pm
I knew Curtis from many years ago., buying several cars at Brewer Auto sales. He and Linda then became neighbors on Brewer Street at Thayer. Just really good folks to have known. Curtis was a good man.
God bless the family with peace.
April 10, 2025 @ 5:04 pm
Curtis was a great friend, may he rest with the lord. My prayers are with his family
April 11, 2025 @ 8:58 pm
Curtis was a great friend! Our pathways crossed at church singings. Loved their dedication to southern gospel music!!
April 12, 2025 @ 1:55 pm
Curtis was so nice and friendlyto a newcomer here. In only 2 visits, I sensed his courage, great character and goodness. I am blessed from his short and wonderful conversation. My heartfelt condolences and blessings go out to all his family members and friends of such a wonderful soul!
April 15, 2025 @ 8:20 pm
I was in grade school with Curtis at Nebo School.
One of my best memories of Curtis was a Christmas program the 50s. He and Janie Chronister, the daughter of one of the 2 teachers at the school, sung “ All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth”. I believe they were in first grade and both were missing their front teeth. He could sing even then and as always the star of the show.
Good Memories.
April 27, 2025 @ 6:01 pm
I found this school picture and want to share it. Curtis was a funny guy —-you can almost see the mischief.
I hope this will open
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