William Deramus Barton, Jr., son of William D. Barton, Sr. and Eddie Stevenson Barton was born November 1, 1947, in Shreveport, Louisiana, lost his hard fought battle against leukemia on January 9, 2007. Bill was a man who faced each day ready to live life to its fullest. He was blessed to have led a rich and rewarding life. He spent his childhood in Montgomery, Alabama learning to be a sportsman, hunter and football player. As an outdoorsman from a young age, he was proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and become a member of the Order of the Arrow. After graduation from high school in Richmond, Virginia, he accepted a football scholarship from Virginia Tech graduating in 1969 with a BBA in Marketing. He loved his alma mater and felt privileged to have received a degree from such a renowned university. Bill loved opportunities to learn and receiving an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin was just one more accomplishment challenge in his life-long desire for knowledge. Of course, one of his biggest sport passions was his love of the Virginia Tech Hokies and the University of Texas Longhorns – cheering the games with his friends.

After working as a marketing specialist in Memphis, Tennessee with Lincoln-Mercury Division of Ford, he joined his father and brother in the creation of Bonus Crop Fertilizer in Bay City, TX in 1973. Throughout his prominent career in the industry, Bill was an active advocate for the agribusiness community and a member of numerous organizations. He felt honored to have served as the President of the Texas Plant Food Institute, a Treasurer of the Southwest Fertilizer Conference, and as a board member of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) in Washington, D.C.. As Chairman of the TFI Ag Policy Committee, he testified before Congress on agricultural issues and the importance of the industry to our Country. Living and working in the Bay City, Matagorda, and Van Vleck communities for 33 years, Bill was a strong believer in supporting the community and its merchants and farmers. Through his efforts, he served on the Community Development Board of Directors for First Prosperity Bank; the Board of Directors for the Bay City/Matagorda County Industrial Foundation; committee chair for the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agricultural; and as an ordained elder and member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City, TX.

His dedication to his family and friends was always his first priority. He and his wife Lurinda Smith Barton were married in the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Chapel on July 17, 1971. They shared a rare and deep love for each other for over 35 years. Together they enjoyed scuba diving and jungle trips in exotic and faraway locations. Bill loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family. Bill lived a full and happy life, surrounded by family and friends.

From his place in heaven, he will continue to watch over his loving family – wife Lurinda Barton of Bay City, daughter Tamika of Alexandra, Virginia, mother Eddie Barton, brother and sister-in-law Steve & Sherry Barton, nephews Logan Barton and Loren Smith, and nieces Lori Barton and Kimberly Barton Schneider. His beloved father, Billy Barton, preceded Bill in death.

His family wishes to extend a heart felt thank you to the doctors and nurses of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and the staff of the Medical Center Houston Hospice for the wonderful support and fine care they exhibited during his illness and treatment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests friends wishing to make a memorial gift do so to the First Presbyterian Church, 2216 Avenue H, Bay City, TX 77414.

Visitation was at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, 2313 Avenue I in Bay City, TX on Thursday, January 11, 2007 from 5-7 pm. The funeral service is at the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 2:00 pm. Rev. John-Nelson Pope will officiate the services. Bill will be laid to rest at The Matagorda Cemetery in Matagorda, TX following the service. Pallbearers are Charlie Allison, T. John Crow, Crayden Dennard, Jeb James, John Runnells, Clay Shock and Greg Westmoreland. Honorary pallbearers are Roy Chesson, Jerry Christian, Joe Edleman, Neil Johnson, Pat Miller, Bill Stallings, Tom Tiefel and Randy Treadwell.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, TX