Darlene Barton

Darlene Barton, 80, passed away on December 22, 2024 after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her children. She was born on July 9, 1944, in Stamford, TX, to Ivan and Elbertine (Cox) Spinks. She spent her early childhood growing up on a farm in Lueders, TX before moving to Midland, where she finished her education and became a housewife, marrying Bill Barton in 1960.  Later, she went to work in Midland for Kelly Girl Services and then as a bookkeeper for the Tom Brown Drilling Company. She gave birth to a daughter in 1964 and a son in 1968.  Darlene was a loving and devoted mother to her kids, always putting them first. She and Bill opened Lafayette Electronics in 1971, where she managed the office and finances.  After moving to Abilene in 1977, she went to work for the Dillard’s Department Store, eventually working her way up to personnel manager.  She also served as a bookkeeper for Gastroenterology Associates in Abilene until 1981, when she and Bill bought F & M Electronics.  She managed the office and books for F & M until 1992, when she was forced to semi-retire because of a major surgery.

In 1993, she moved to Stephenville as an independent, single woman.  The following year, she went to work in the accounting department at Tarleton State University.  She stayed in this position for 15 years until her retirement in 2009.  She often described this period of her life as her happiest and most fulfilling.  She treasured all of the many coworkers at TSU who became her closest friends. Darlene was a fighter.  She battled cancer, five different types, throughout the past 11 years. The staff at Moncrief Cancer Center in Fort Worth called her Wonder Woman because of her strength, determination, and endurance.

She is survived by her daughter Suzi Barton of Burleson, her son Greg Barton and wife JoAnna of Fort Worth, granddaughter Ella Grace Barton of Fort Worth, nieces Darla McElroy of Guthrie, OK and Katrina Lutke of Shreveport, LA, and best friend and former husband Bill Barton of Lakeside Village. Darlene was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Funeral services for Darlene will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at Stephenville Funeral Home with Thomas Horton officiating. Interment will follow at West End Cemetery in Stephenville.  Visitation with the Barton family will begin at 1:00 PM Friday (one hour prior to funeral service).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Moncrief Cancer Center.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

P.O. Box 910888

Dallas TX  75391

Memo:  MCI