David Clair Barton

In Loving Memory Salt Lake City, UT-David Clair Barton passed away peacefully at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of his family. According to his own account, he was born at a very young age. The tenth of eleven children in a bustling Salt Lake City home, he entered the world quietly, while the family was rather preoccupied-his oldest brother was dying from a terrible car accident, and no one quite got around to naming the new baby. So his siblings just started calling him Billy.

It wasn't until he showed up at school and the teacher called out "David" that he realized he had a proper name after all. Still, "Billy" stuck for most of his life, especially among family and old friends.

David grew up in the thick of the Post Great Depression, and as he liked to say, "everyone was poor, but we were the poorest of the poor." That didn't stop him from having a rich childhood. He and the neighborhood kids played baseball until dark, threw knives (yes, really), built scooters out of scraps, and swam in the Jordan River with ropes tied around their waists in case the current tried to carry them off.

His life was marked by a quiet, determined kind of faith and a deep joy in the everyday. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States-Wyoming, to be exact. It wasn't the exotic locale he'd dreamed of, but it turned out to be the most important chapter of his life.

At a church picnic near the foothills of Casper, Wyoming, he spotted a group of girls while playing softball. One of them made time to stop. Her name was Dawna Wagstaff, and he turned to his companion and said, "I think I'm going marry that girl." He did exactly that, on June 30, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple.

David worked hard-sometimes three jobs at once. He was a gifted teacher, a beloved counselor, a respected assistant principal, and a sharp salesman at The Yardstick fabric store. He painted houses in the summer and went to night school to earn a master's degree. He also built his own home by hand, learning as he went.

He and Dawna raised four children: Brooke, Jill, Linn, and finally, his long awaited son, Kent. On a teacher's salary, they made magic. There were boat trips, laughter, bedtime songs, and a never-ending supply of affection. If David loved you, you knew it. He handed out kisses like candy and had a habit of calling the women in his life "Miss America."

He didn't gossip, he didn't sugarcoat, but he did brag - mostly about his amazing family. He was the kind of man who made people feel seen. His moral compass was steady, his faith was deep, and his love was constant.

Many who knew David considered him a spiritual giant. Not because he sought any recognition, but because he lived what he believed with quiet conviction and grace.

Later in life, he supported Dawna's flourishing art career and helped run their family business, selling art prints all over the world. Together they traveled to more than 37 countries, walking hand in hand through history, culture, and wonder.

When Dawna fell ill, David cared for her with unwavering devotion. Their love softened and deepened with time. Since her passing, he spoke often of the day they'd be reunited. We believe that reunion is now complete.

David's posterity includes his four children, 14 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, faith, and big-hearted devotion.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday July 30, 2025 at 12:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Holladay 25th Ward, 4650 S Naniloa Dr., Holladay, UT 84117. A viewing will be held prior to services starting at 10:30am. Interment at Memorial Holladay Cemetery.