Leonard "Bud" Ray Barton

Bud did not just watch life, he lived it fully – a life that spanned the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, and the Covid Pandemic. He was an active participant in it all with an unchanging optimistic attitude, never complaining, and with a self-effacing grace. He always saw the best in everyone. To be his friend was an honor he bestowed on many.

Bud left home at age 18 to join the Army Air Core resulting in a 21-year Air Force career, retiring in 1965 with the rank of MSgt. Bud actively served in both World War II and the Korean War with honors. It was during his tour of duty at Geiger Field that he fell in love with the rural Spokane area and decided to make it his family’s permanent home, buying property near Cheney.

After Air Force retirement, he built on his Spokane property with his wife, the former Lavilla Cates, whom he married in 1949, and there, raised their two daughters – Lorna and Lenora. He then began his 20-year career with Spokane County as a heavy equipment operator in the Public Works department, often plowing through the massive winter snowdrifts of rural Spokane, retiring in 1986.

After his wife Lavilla’s passing, Bud married Lois Turnbough in 1990 and was a loving stepfather to her children – Gary (deceased), Wendell (deceased), Margrett, Glenda, and Linda.

Bud was retired but he was never inactive, still driving tractor on his property at the age of 96. He was the RFD channel, rodeos, Westerns, and anything John Deere. With the family joining him, he frequented the Denny’s on the West Plains for years, holding court in his favorite Bud Barton booth. He believed in helping others with more than just words, with his favorite causes being the Union Gospel Mission and the Second Harvest Food Bank. He was an active member of the Hayford Community Church.

He is survived by his daughters Lorna and Lenora, grandchildren Carrie, Sean, and Stephanie, and numerous great grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Virginia, Wynema, and Norma Sue, first wife Lavilla, second wife Lois, and grandchild Jeff.

Funeral services will be held at Hayford Community Church on Monday, July 12th at 10:30 AM, followed by interment at Marshall Cemetery. A reception will then follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bud’s name to either Union Gospel Mission in Spokane or Second Harvest in Spokane.