Kent Jay Barton

Kent Jay Barton, 59, of Bountiful, Utah, died at home surrounded by his family on January 24, 2025, having fought a valiant battle with brain cancer. 

He was born in Bountiful in 1965 to Blair and Luana Barton, the seventh of their nine children. He attended Viewmont High School, then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas, Texas. 

Kent met the love of his life, Charlene, when he picked her up hitchhiking with her friend after having thrown water balloons at them out of the car with his friends. They then reconnected working together at Lagoon in high school. 

Following his mission, they started their new life together. The two were married June 14, 1986 in the Salt Lake Temple. 

Kent has four children: Dallas (Katelyn), Brandon, Bethany, and Bailey. He taught them many valuable life lessons and skills they’ve used and will use throughout their lives, most importantly to love one another. 

One of Kent’s favorite roles was that of a grandparent to Elle, Noah, Cole, and June. He always had candy at the ready for every encounter, and instituted “Grandpa’s Bookmobile”, delivering a fresh batch of hand-selected books, with more candy, for the kids each week. 

He also spoiled the grandpets: Sophie, Tulsa, Pancake, Maple, and Toby. Having always told the kids not to feed the dog from the table growing up, the tables were turned and he was the first to throw them scraps.

Everyone who knew Kent knew how much he loved ceramics. He attained his Master of Ceramics from the University of Utah, and went on to teach at Weber State University, Westminster College, and University of Utah’s ceramics programs. Shortly after his diagnosis he completed dish sets for each of his children and mugs for each of the grandkids, which will be forever treasured possessions. 

Kent was everybody’s go-to handyman. He was always ready with the right tools for the job and the first to show up when help was needed.

Kent was an excellent cook, but cooked mostly by memory, so, unfortunately, any heirloom recipes are sparse. He will be remembered for his potato salad, a fixture at every family function.

He served faithfully in various callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “You are my sunshine” one more time.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Kent’s honor to: Huntsman Cancer Institute, The Church of Jesus Christ Missionary Fund, or a charity of your choice.

A viewing will be held January 31, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main St, Bountiful, UT 84010. 

Funeral services will be held February 1, 2025 at 11:00 at the Ward Canyon Ward building, 540 N 1200 E, Bountiful, UT 84010, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to services. 

Interment will be at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery,1640 East Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, UT 84010.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary pagestarting approximately 10 minutes prior to when services will begin.