Bill W. Barton

Bill W. Barton was born in Rising Star, Texas on July 16, 1937 to Mary and Billy O. Barton. The son of a Marine and a schoolteacher, he grew up in the small Texas oil company town of Phillips. After graduating high school, Bill played golf on scholarship at Frank Phillips Junior College before later studying at Texas Tech University. He married his first love Judy Norman Barton, and along with their infant daughter Laura, they moved to Austin as he entered the University of Texas School of Law.

Bill returned to his Panhandle roots after earning his law degree and practiced in various counties in the area. He loved the great state of Texas so much that he successfully ran for office in the Texas House of Representatives against a long-time incumbent. After serving in the 60th Legislature, Bill began a long career in governmental affairs in Austin.

Professionally, Bill regularly worked with leaders at the highest levels. Governors of Texas, various Speakers of the House and leaders of Fortune 500 companies found in Bill a gregarious man of high integrity, intellect and an unmatched ability to tell a story. Throughout his highly accomplished career, Bill represented the Texas Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association and later was General Counsel for the Texas Railroad Association. Bill’s service to the people of Texas continued as a founding member of the Texas Civil Justice League. After Speaker Pete Laney appointed Bill to the Board of Trustees for the Employees Retirement System of Texas in 1997, he served for several terms, including one as its president.

Most important to Bill, though, was his faith and family. For over 50 years he walked through the highs and lows of life with his dear wife Judy. Time after time Bill passed up opportunities for more money and more prestige in favor of his wife and kids. Serving others was his way. For decades he lovingly cared for Judy as her debilitating illness ran its course ending in her death in 2011. Never once did anyone hear him complain. Even during the hardest times, Bill’s sense of humor was infectious.

His love for his family was obvious. If they were in a uniform playing a game, he was there. If they were in a school event, he was in the audience. Bill loved watching his kids and grandkids do whatever brought them joy. And he traveled all across the country to be in the stands for his family. His last years were maybe his sweetest as he married his dear Ramona Jones in 2015. She brought a joy, peace and love to him that was an example for couples of all ages. He loved her deeply; a sparkle came to his eye every time he spoke of her.

Bill’s love for Christ began at an early age. He was passionate about his faith and God’s word. He wore out many Bibles over his years. And he led his family well in the ways of the Lord. Throughout his life he was a faithful member of several Baptist churches where he served as a Bible study teacher, deacon and on various committees. For decades he was a member at Bannockburn Baptist Church and, most recently, Austin Baptist Church. The essence of Bill’s life is perfectly captured by his latest service role in his church: he was both a member of the Finance committee of Austin Baptist Church as well as a regular volunteer to the 3-year old’s Sunday School class.

Bill is survived by his wife Ramona Jones of Austin. Family members include daughter Laura Barton Weiss of Lubbock, sons Clay and Travis and their wives Sharon and Lisa of Austin, sons Curran P. “Spike” Rogers and Les Jones and their wives Colleen and Anne, daughter Jani Cross and her husband Tom, grandchildren Sarah Barr and her husband Adam, Matthew Weiss, James Barton, Kyle Barton, Caleb Barton, Mary Lynn Barton, grandchildren Anthony Cross, Lauren Cross Margulies and husband Eric, Whitney Cross Fail and husband Bryan, Ryan Rogers, Blake Rogers and wife Haley, Nick Mahlum, Parker Jones, Tiffany Fredericks and great grandchildren Brody Barr, Abigail Barr, Dean Margulies, Carson Margulies, Casey Margulies, Georgia Fail, Everett Fail, Luke Rogers and Carmelo Farfaglia.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place Monday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish funeral home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd. Service will be live streamed. Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/1173930. Graveside service will follow at the Texas State Cemetery located at 909 Navasota St.