Leon Barton

Leon Barton, age 86, of Moro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1939, in Palestine, Arkansas, to Albert Barton Sr. and Clemmie Waller-Barton.

Leon, lovingly known as "Hot" to his friends and family, devoted his life to his faith and community. He was a lifelong member of the El Cannon Missionary Baptist Church, where he served diligently as a member of both the board of trustees and the El Cannon Cemetery board.

His educational journey began at Palestine Public Schools and continued at El Cannon. Professionally, Leon was a valued employee at D&L Manufacturing in Marianna for 25 years. He later worked at Sanyo Manufacturing in Forrest City for 15 years and spent much of his life working on the family farm.

On July 6, 1958, Leon married Ola Mae Stephens, the love of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Barton Sr. and Clemmie Barton; grandchild, Jaylee Tomlin; and siblings, Albert Barton Jr., Raymond Barton, Melvin Barton, Huester Barton Sr., and Dorothy Barton Carruthers.

Leon is survived by his beloved wife, Ola Mae Barton of Moro, AR; sons, Stanley (Tongela) Barton Sr. and Darren (Patreece) Barton, both of Moro, AR; daughters, Marilyn (Hulen Jr) Cottrell of Little Rock, AR, Dallie Barton of Sweet Home, AR, Connie (Jonathan) Tipler of Palestine, AR, and Clemmie Barton of Wrightsville, AR. He leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. His sister, Shirley Brooks of Chicago, IL, along with sisters-in-law, Mary Barton of Palestine, AR, and Clara Barton of Forrest City, AR, also survive him. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends mourn his passing.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Williams Temple COGIC, located at 8447 Highway 70 West in Palestine. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 3, at 11:00 AM at El Cannon Missionary Baptist Church, 2926 SFC 815 Road in Palestine. Reverend Albert McKinney, Pastor, will serve as eulogist. Interment will follow at El Cannon Cemetery in Palestine, with arrangements entrusted to C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley and Stuttgart. For more information, contact (870) 589-5036 or (870) 672-7100, email williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gamil.com, or visit www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net.

Serving as active pallbearers are Timothy Barton, Justin Barton, Stanley Barton Jr., Jonathan Tipler, Tony Dawson, and Mark Barton.