Verne Francis Barton, Jr., 90, Newcastle, WY died Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Weston Manor.

Memorial services for Verne will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at Weston County Senior Services in Newcastle, Wyoming with Kelvin Kennedy as the eulogist and with Masonic Rites.


Verne was born on September 29, 1923 in Newcastle, the son of Verne Francis Barton, Sr., and Ruth Nelda Mulholland. He was raised on the family ranch southwest of Newcastle, where Verne later lived and ranched himself. He attended rural schools near the ranch until high school, graduating from Newcastle High School in 1941. After high school, Verne attended the University of Wyoming for one year before serving in the United States Army Infantry; he was later in the National Guard. In 1943, Verne married Elaine Brook; they were blessed with two children: Ron (1944) and Bunni (1948).


Verne returned to the family ranch after his military service in 1945, living there and ranching there for almost seventy years. Wyoming agriculture was always very important to Verne. He was active with Newcastle Saddle and Sirloin FFA when his son was the high school Wyoming state FFA president. Verne was involved with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association for many years, including being a Lifetime Member of the Executive Council. During this time, Verne's wife Elaine was state president of the Wyoming Cowbelles. Ranching was Verne's family, career, and lifestyle. He was also involved in his state and community in other ways, such as being a member of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for six years, the Weston County School District Number One school board for ten years, the Newcastle Masonic Lodge for over fifty years, and the Kalif Temple Shrine.


In 1979, Verne and Elaine decided to semi-retire and become "snow birds" when they bought a home in Queen Valley, Apache Junction, Arizona where they lived during the Wyoming winters until Elaine's passing. Verne continued to spend his winters in Arizona until 2012. Verne's favorite hobby was golf, and he was able to golf year round. He and Elaine enjoyed playing cards and square dancing with their fellow retirees in Arizona. Verne and Elaine also loved to travel. They visited different locations all around the world: Australia, Hawaii, all of Europe, Africa, Alaska, New Zealand, Bermuda, Bahamas, Iceland, Fiji, and more. Their travels within the United States were commemorated with the plate collection displayed in their home—one for almost every state. Over the years, Verne welcomed many hunters from around the country to his ranch every fall. These hunters would come back year after year and became like family.


Verne was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his daughter, Bunni; his son, Ron; his brother, Bill; his parents, Verne Sr. and Nelda; and his special friend, Marie Lewis. He is survived by his grandchildren, Mariah (Steve) Walker, Shane (Marissa) Sweet, Kara (Brian) Sweet; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Brittany Walker; Ashlyn and Colton Sweet; Emalee, Sara, Rachel, and Clay Sweet; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.


Serving as honorary pallbearers are Ed Halsey, Don Brook, Gary Kendrick, Clayton Brook, Gary Brook, Kelvin Kennedy, and Bill V. Barton.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in the name of one of Verne's special hobbies and interests. Memorials can be sent to the family or to the Verne F. Barton Memorial, care of First State Bank of Newcastle, P.O. Box 910, Newcastle, WY 82701.