Athol Charles Enos (ACE) Barton, 94 of Russell, Kansas died Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Main Street Manor of Russell.

Athol was born November 4, 1919 in Hooker, Oklahoma, one of seven children born to Milton and Lucy (Goodnough) Barton.  He grew up in Oil Hill, Kansas and El Dorado, Kansas before moving to Russell during high school. He graduated from Russell High School in 1939.

Athol served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He was stationed on Mare Island in California during the war.

Athol was united in marriage to Leah Strain on June 21, 1946 in California.  This union was blessed with two children; Vickie and Lonnie. They made their home in Russell.  Leah preceded Athol in death in December 2000.

Athol started working in the oil business as co-owner of HiWay Tank Truck service and ending up as an independent oil producer.  He and his brother started the Barton Brothers Oil Company.

Athol was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.  He also was a life member of the Russell American Legion Post #99, a member of Russell Masonic Lodge and Isis Shrine, Russell Elks Lodge and the coffee group, Buckeye Gang.  He was known for his ability as a mechanic.  He felt working and providing for his family was his main purpose. Athol also enjoyed boating, gardening, and bowling at Playdium Bowl in Russell.

Surviving family includes his daughter, Vickie Brown (Jonathan) of DeSoto, Texas; son, Lonnie Barton (Melody) of Hays, Kansas; sister, Margene Goettel of Salina, Kansas; seven grandchildren Evan, Shayna, Lacey, Jeff, Melissa, Heath and Tyler; and four great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Leslie and Delmar Barton, and three sisters, Edith Calvert, Lola Barton and Bernice Squires.

Celebration of Athol’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Trinity United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Friday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the Trinity United Methodist Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.