Hal Clinton Barton, 89, of Rexburg, died May 2, 2015 of natural causes.

Hal Clinton Barton, 89, of Rexburg died, Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Carriage Cove Assisted Living. He was born February 8, 1926 in Clear Creek, Utah to Clinton and Geneva Barton.

Hal went to grade school in Midvale, Utah and Duchesne, Utah, where he graduated from high school in 1944. He joined the Air Corp after graduation and served in WWII until the end of the conflict in 1945. After discharge from the service, Hal enrolled in the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1948, after marriage to Colleen Holman, he taught music and was athletic coach at Altamont School for three years. The marriage was sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Hal and his family moved to Rexburg in 1951 where he taught band in Madison Schools until 1960 when at the age of 34, he became the youngest principal Madison High has ever had. During his tenure with Madison School District, Hal built a large band program influencing and touching many lives. Madison Bands were always superior, taking top honors at music festivals and many other activities. In 1961, Hal was awarded Outstanding Young Man of the year by the Rexburg Jaycees.

1964 found Hal working at Ricks College as Director of Admissions, Scholarships, and Recruiting. He retired from Ricks College in 1988.

Hal was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in positions in all organizations. He also served on the high council and was bishop on Ricks College Campus. He and his wife, Colleen, served a mission in the Oslo, Norway Mission.

Has was an avid Hunter and Fisherman. He spent many hours hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. He loved all sports and played basketball during his high school and college years. While working at Ricks College he was also a fierce competitor in Racquet Ball.

For the past 20 years, Hal and Colleen have wintered in Sun City, Arizona. There they enjoyed friends in their ward and also played a lot of golf.

Hal's main love and interest were in his family, every grandchild felt they were Grandpa's favorite. He will be sorely missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen Barton of Rexburg, Idaho, his children, Breck (Maurie) Barton of Rexburg, Idaho, Debbie (Jess) Byram of Rigby, Idaho, Melody (Paul) McKernan of Phoenix, Arizona, Bruce (Connie) Barton of Rexburg, Idaho and Kelli (Randy) Rhodes of Alpine, Utah, as well as 27 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. He is also survived some of his siblings, Robert (Bette) Barton of Salt Lake City, Utah, John Lynn (Marilyn) Barton of Sacramento, California, Douglas L. (Jayne) Barton of Malad, Idaho and a sister-in-law Anita Barton of Ucon, Idaho.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Vivian Beattie, a brother, Kay Stephen Barton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Rexburg Center Stake Chapel, 590 Summerwood Drive. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Saturday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the stake center. Burial will be in the Sutton Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Madison County Veterans and Idaho Honor Guard.