Jerry Rufus Barton, a lifelong resident of Charleston, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born August 29, 1935, in Charleston, Arkansas to the late Earl Nester Barton and Farry Faye (McDonald) Barton. He was 81 years old. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Barton.

It would take volumes to account the memories and lessons learned from Jerry. His life had a profound impact on those of us privileged to know and love him. Uncle Jerry taught us that a serving of ice cream is not limited by calories, but by gravity.

A "Vanilla Ice Cream" reception will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28th, at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston. Jerry's body was donated to Genesis Legacy of Life in Memphis, Tennessee for medical research. A family held memorial service will take place at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Charleston at at later date. All arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by his three sisters, Frances Nutt of Rogers, Sarah Crosby of Charleston and Margaret Grant of Bakersfield, California; numerous nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and nephews and two great-great nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made "In Loving Memory of Jerry R. Barton" to Equestrian Zone @ P.O. Box 282 Russellville, AR 72811 or to Horses for Healing @ 14673 Daniels Rd. Bentonville, AR 72712.

To view video tribute, go to http://videos.lifetributes.com/772956

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.