Donald 'Don' R. Barton, 89

Donald R. Barton, 89, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, formerly of Pullman, Wash., died Oct. 1, 2025, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene.

Don was born Sept. 14, 1936, in Pullman, Wash., to B. Ralph and Lillian A. (Johnson) Barton. He joined his brother, Bernard, and sister Beverly. He graduated from Pullman High School. While in high school, he was active in wrestling, football and basketball.

Don married his longtime sweetheart, Barbara J. Lang, on Oct. 7, 1955, in Pullman. Together, they have three children: David R. (1957), Denise R. (1959), and Daniel R. (1961). He was in the Navy Reserves for eight years. Don and Barbara lived in Pullman until 2016, when they moved to Hayden, Idaho, to be closer to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don worked in many fields — construction with his dad, he owned a successful Union 76 gas station, he was a Carnation milkman and he owned his own construction and excavation business. He built many sought-after custom homes, eventually working at the WSU Physical Plant as a paint foreman before his retirement. After he retired, he continued working for Wenzell Leff, MD, managing maintenance at Pro Mall and many apartment complexes. He was much loved and respected in all these jobs for his integrity, attention to detail and craftsmanship. He loved working and doing his best for every employer.

His family owned a resort on Lake Chatcolet in the '60s, “Bartons Park Hotel and Marina,” where he introduced many family members and friends to water skiing. He would ski with his very young kids on his shoulders and was a patient teacher. Don loved his Century Resorter wood boat, which was well-known on the lake! 

Don was a HUGE WSU Cougar fan! He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad and mom, a love which he passed on to his own kids. Elk hunting every fall in the Blue Mountains in southeast Washington was especially loved — his kids' first trip when they were 6 and 8 years old! It was unheard of in 1968 to bring your kids to Elk Camp for a week. In May 1960, Don was the first person in Whitman County to bowl a perfect 300 game. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner member for over 50 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Pullman.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years (almost!), Barbie, at home in Hayden; daughter Denise Pruitt of Hayden; much-loved grandchildren: Sky Pruitt (wife, Susan) of Rathdrum; Lacey Thurman (husband, Eric) of Hayden; Scarlett Milbourne (husband, Mark) of Rathdrum; and Rainy Barton of Spokane; seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his first son, David R., who was born Oct. 2, 1957, and died Oct. 3, 1957; and his son, Daniel, in 2012; as well as many in-laws and cousins who he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriners Children’s Hospital (911 W. Fifth Ave. #16, Spokane, WA 99204). 

We’d like to express our sincerest appreciation to the team members of Hospice of North Idaho and the Schneidmiller Hospice House for the tender care they gave to Don.

Don loved everyone and made it known. No one was a stranger.

Please visit Don’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.