Linda Diane (Bassham) Barton was born to the late Talmage and Eunice Bassham on January 12, 1949, at Moko, Arkansas. She passed away to her heavenly home June 19, 2024.
In Moko, she was the middle sibling to Larry and Richard. Linda learned to play the piano and sing on the farm with her brothers and dad. She frequently joked that their farm yielded many rocks, and she was tasked with picking them up.
In 1967, Linda graduated from West Plains High School. Then on June 1, 1968, she married Curtis Barton. They had just celebrated fifty six years together.
She is survived by her husband, Curtis Barton, West Plains, Missouri; two children, Andrea Porter and husband Joe, and their two children, Andrew and Hannah, Springfield, Missouri, and Adam Barton and wife Stefani, and their two children, Harmony and Cadence, Battlefield, Missouri; two brothers, Richard Bassham and wife Quetha, Kansas City, Kansas, and Larry Bassham and wife Elda, Nixa, Missouri.
Linda was multi-dimensional: volunteer, teacher, musician, and business owner. She owned her own clothing boutique, retired from the phone company, owned Sears of West Plains, volunteered with the Business and Professional Women’s Organization, organized concerts, and built up many local musicians, encouraging them, guiding them down their own path.
However, Linda is likely most known for her presence behind a piano, and the songs she wrote. She started playing the piano for her dad at the age of twelve, swinging her feet above the pedals. Then in 1971, she and Curtis formed the Gospel Generation Singers, ending her performing years as The Barton’s. Every member that passed through the group over the years she considered family.
But the jewels of her crown, her pride and joy, were her grandkids, Andrew, Hannah, Harmony, and Cadence. She shared her love of singing and the piano with them, encouraged them in their own activities, and went to as many events she could.
Today we honor her. She was a special lady to many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and multiple Bassham and Barton family members. Along with family, there were other special friends welcoming her into the Pearly Gates: Bill and Joyce Underwood, Bob Ray, Randall Lovelace, and Belinda Pendergrass. Although she is no longer present, her vibrant smile, love to God, and how she made a piano dance, will live forever.
Celebration of Life is to be held Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri.
“You should see the view from here.”
June 27, 2024 @ 11:33 am
I will enjoy her music through the tapes and CD. She was so special to me. I’m her niece through marriage. Loved her dearly. Rest in peace Linda. Geneva Barton Smith.
June 27, 2024 @ 1:36 pm
Curtis and family, we are so sorry for the loss of Linda. She taught me to play the piano many years ago in Salem when I was young. She was a very special lady. I have no doubt she is entertaining the Angels today. Prayers and love, Tom and Vickie Hardin
June 27, 2024 @ 4:50 pm
Curtis and family, prayers for your family without Linda.
Noble and Donna Newberry
June 28, 2024 @ 10:23 am
Lina and Curtis were neighbors at Thayer many years ago. Linda was blessed in so many ways to so many people. She was
an inspiration to me and all my family. She will be so miss even though her legacy will forever be around. Curtis and family
just so sorry sometimes its all you can say. Heartfelt sympathy my friend.
June 29, 2024 @ 2:26 am
Linda was a beautiful lady. She sang like an angel and most certainly could make a piano dance. It’s been many years since I heard her play and sing. She was always so kind to me. She will be missed.
June 29, 2024 @ 5:12 pm
Curtis and family…..just think of the heavenly music being made by Linda. Condolences and prayers for you all.
June 30, 2024 @ 7:29 am
This Beautiful Soul will be missed. But she rocking that piano up there. I’m still so ever Blessed that she taught are son how to rock the piano for his church.
July 29, 2024 @ 10:33 pm
I took piano lessons from her at Salem. She was always so kind. I recently got to see her at my Aunt Ruthie Bassham Harris’s visitation in Salem. I also saw Curtis. He loved his Linda and took good care of her. Many fond memories of those two. Prayers.
August 26, 2024 @ 7:02 pm
Curtis and Family I just found out of Linda entering the gates of heaven. Im sure she was kicking up her hills after talking to Jesus and headed straight for that Heavenly choir. I count it a great pleasure to call her friend and a Sister in Christ