Henry Early Barton

Henry Early Barton, age 101, passed away Friday morning August 10, 2018 in San Angelo. With his sight restored, we know he's already joined a domino game with his friends. Early was born on October 24, 1916 to William Thomas and Jessie Middlebrook Barton at Dry Hollow in Concho County. His mother passed away when Early was 6, and he and his younger brother Billie were then raised by their maternal grandparents, James Henry and Sally Jane Patton Middlebrook. Early was raised on a farm outside of Eola where he and his brother went to school. Early graduated from high school and stayed in Eola to help his family on the farm. In 1941, he married Edna Inez Elliott Barton. They had 3 children raised on the farm in Eola, but due to hard times during the drought, in 1951 he began working for the Texas Highway Department maintenance division in San Angelo while he continued to farm. After 13 years in San Angelo, he became Maintenance Foreman in Sterling City. He retired in 1978 after 27 years. In 2000, Early and Edna moved to Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo where they were devoted members of Belmore Baptist Church. He was a fixer of all things, enjoyed golf and loved a good game of dominos. He was the model husband, father, grandfather and all-around incredible person and will be dearly missed. Early was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Edna, brother Billie, and son James Early (Jimmy). He is survived by daughter Betty Jean (Curt) Schwiening of Roosevelt, Tx, son Bobby Dean (Gail) Barton of Dale, Tx. His grandchildren are Steve (Beatrice) Barton, Allison (David) Mirike, Chris Barton, and Elba Schwiening. He has six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00pm to 8:00pm, with the family present from 5-7pm. The services will be Wednesday, August 15, at 11:00 in the Robert Massie Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the care of Robert Massie Funeral Home. The family appreciates the care he received from his daily caregivers from Baptist Retirement Community and his medical provider Maegin Carlile.