Walter Roy “Sonny” Barton, born January 20, 1934, died January 17, 2018, at his home in Alexandria, Louisiana. Family and friends will gather Tuesday afternoon, January 23, 2018 to celebrate a life well lived. Visitation will be held at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana from 2:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. service, officiated by Reverend Joey Rudisill, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana.

The only boy of six children born to Roy Lee and Vaudean Olive Walters Barton, Sonny often worked extra jobs to surprise his sisters with dresses for homecoming dances. After graduating from Bolton High School, where he enjoyed playing football, he attended college and later joined the U.S. Army. He met and fell in love with his wife of 59 years, Betty Ann Paul Barton, and together they had two beautiful daughters, Brenda and Bridgett.

Sonny owned and operated his family’s business, Star Electric Company, and served on the board of the Central Louisiana Chapter of the National Electrical Contractor’s Association for several terms. He was an active member of local civic organizations, including the Exchange Club and the Optimist Club. He also served Sheriff Grady Kelly as a special deputy for the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sonny was an avid sportsman and enjoyed all sorts of outdoor activities with his many friends, including hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved all animals, especially horses, and enjoyed raising them for many years.

Among his greatest joys were his daughters, Brenda and Bridgett, his grandchildren, Sarah, Will, and Ben, and his great-granddaughter, Elliette.

Sonny is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Vaudean Barton; his wife of 59 years, Betty Ann Barton; and his grandson, William Barton.

Sonny is survived by his daughters, Brenda Barton Downs and Bridgett Barton McAlister; his grandchildren, Sarah Celise Downs and Benjamin Barton McAlister; his great-granddaughter, Elliette Kate Walker; his five sisters, Flora Lee Ferguson (John), Donna Gayle Nigreville (Doug), Myrna Ray Dunn (Leslie), Norma Sue Leger Watkins (Mac), Connie Faye Barton, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends whom he loved dearly.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pam Wilkerson, Misty Henson, and Qwnetta Vallien-Baxter, who brought care and comfort to Sonny’s final months and lifted his spirits and the spirits of those who surrounded him during his illness.

Friends may post online messages of condolence for the Barton family by visiting www.gallagherfh.com.