Paul Arnold Barton -- Rochester

Published December 22, 2013 at 2:07 PM

Paul Arnold Barton, 65, of Rochester, passed away peacefully Dec. 19, 2013, at his home after a challenging fight with cancer.

Paul was born on Sept. 29, 1948, in Kansas City, Kan., to Harry and Beverlee Barton. He graduated from Duluth East High School in 1966. He then graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. On June 24, 1972, he married Jane Frances Gabiou at The Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca, Minn. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1973. Paul worked in banking in Duluth, Willmar, St. Cloud and Rochester, holding the position of bank manager for USBank Rochester, retiring in 2008. He then worked as the CEO for Bear Creek Services, of Rochester, and retired this fall, due to his illness. Paul served as a board member for numerous charitable organizations, including the Rochester Public Library, The Diversity Council, Gamehaven Boy Scout Council, Rochester Senior Center, Rotary Club of Rochester, the Rochester Art Center and as a founding board member of OMC Regional Foundation. He also played an active role in the Rotary USBank Holiday Classic and was an active volunteer at United Way of Olmsted County.

Paul is survived by his wife, Jane, of 41 years; his daughters, Dr. Magdalen "Maggie" (Chris) Edmunds, of Berkeley, Calif., Elizabeth "Beth" (Aaron) Conway, of Missoula, Mont., and Kathryn "Kate" Barton, of Rochester; a sister, JoAnna DeSart, of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, John A. "Jack" (Sally) Barton, of Olive Branch, Miss.; grandchildren, Gabrielle, Samuel and Faye Conway and Oscar and Beverley Edmunds; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Beyond Paul's community roles, he was truly dedicated to his family and was an excellent role model. He will be missed.

A memorial Mass for Paul will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, officiated by the Rev. Paul E. Nelson. Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, and one hour prior to the Mass. Burial of Paul's ashes will be in Calvary Cemetery Waseca, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Bear Creek Services, Rochester Public School Foundation or Mayo Hospice.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.