Brumley-Mills Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

William Barton, Jr., age 71, of Cabiness Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday May 7, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family and friends.Open Visitation will be from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester. Services will be 10:00am on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel in McAlester with Bart Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Pryor Cemetery in Stuart. Pallbearers are Ryan Barton, Steve Martin, Grant Martin, Billy Rice, Logan Carter, George Conover, Darren Elliott & Jeff Elliott. William was born on July 21, 1953, in McAlester, to Julia Monahan. He grew up in Cabiness where he was raised by his grandparents, Jeff & Donnie Elliott. Growing up on the ranch with his grandparents William learned to never shy away from hard work. He was a car lover and had many stories to tell of him and his friends growing up and their "fast cars and expert driving". He worked for Bob Crandell at Crandell's Auto Salvage in his younger years. Bob was a mentor and William loved him dearly. He graduated from Stuart High School in 1971 and in March of 1973 married the love of his life, Kathryn (Russell). After getting married William worked for Buzz Thomas at Thomas Welding where he learned to weld. In 1976 he went to work for Rock Island Railroad. While working on the railroad he made many life-long friends. William and Kay made their home on the land he loved so much in Cabiness, OK. They welcomed a son Ryan Shane in 1974 and daughter Kelly Rene' in 1977. In 1979 he went to work for Parker Drilling in Oklahoma City where he perfected his welding trade building drilling rigs. In 1986 he returned home to open his own welding shop next to his home. William rebuilt cars, could fix anything brought to him and ran cattle on his ranch. He & Kay's home always had an open door and an extra plate at their table. He was Dad & Poppy to so many. Not only Ryan & Kelly's friends but many of McKay, Gracie and Grant’s friends only knew him as Poppy. He was the head breakfast chef, chauffeur, comedian, shoulder to cry on, always come to the rescue, set ya straight when you needed it kind of Poppy. William was a devoted husband, father, poppy, brother and friend who will be missed immensely. He loved his life and the people in it and the land they all call home. If he was seen off the property he was probably at an event for one of the grandkids or sitting in the car waiting on Kay while she shopped. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kay, of the home; a son, Ryan Barton of Cabiness; daughter & son-in-law, Steve & Kelly Martin of Cabiness; 4 grandchildren, McKay (Barton) & Logan Carter of Choctaw, OK, Gracie & Grant Martin of Cabiness, OK; a sister, Donna Rice of Arpelar, OK; beloved nieces and nephews; and best friends, George Conover & Sharon Wakole. William was preceded in death by his Mother-in-law, Bernice Kennedy; Father-in-law, Dale Kennedy; Mother, Julia Parker; and grandparents, Jeff & Donnie Elliott.

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