Benny Ardon Barton

On the morning of Thursday, July 16th, 2026, the family of Benny Ardon Barton, age 74, of Middlesboro KY, was heartbroken to discover that their oldest brother, uncle, and great-uncle, whom they all lovingly adored, had made his final crossing. Though Benny was a quiet and gentle soul, the impact he made on his family and friends was loudly profound. Benny had selflessly made provisions for his mother and younger siblings, providing a warm stable home with a table that was never empty, upon his father’s sudden passing in 1976, when Benny was only 24 years old. Benny was saved that same year, in June, at Meldrum Missionary Baptist Church under the gospel preached by former Rev. Jabe Smith. He was baptized in Yellow Creek at the Red Oak location. Benny had recently re-dedicated his life to the Lord and his mother church which had brought him great peace in his final days.

Benny had continued to see to the needs of his family throughout the remainder of his life with special care for his mother, whom he loved so deeply. Upon retiring from Elmo Greer & Sons Asphalt Company and a tenure at Messer Motors, Benny continued to dedicate attentiveness to his mother as she suffered a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Benny had also worked with Tenn-Flake Products, Adams Construction, Leonard Lawson & Son, and Nally & Gibson prior to his decades-long career with Elmo Greer & Sons.

All who knew Benny spoke highly of his character; esteeming him as a hard worker and loyal friend. Benny had a close bond with his crew at Elmo Greer & Sons; paving many roads in Eastern Kentucky and making numerous memories. Though a friend to all, Benny had a group of specially close friends outside of his cousins and work crew. T.J. “Joe Crawford”, Dan Carmack and Cleavey Messer were Benny’s brothers by heart. His love for golfing was shared with these special friends, among a host of other interests. After retiring from Elmo Greer & Sons, Benny had enjoyed employment, alongside special friend Cleavey Messer, at Messer Motors.

Benny was preceded in death by his loving and Godly parents, William Barton Jr. and Ollevia Owens Barton; grandparents, William and Minnie Loop Barton and Willie and Rhoda Barnett Owens; and uncles and aunts, Robert and Dessie Barton, George Barton and Ruth Barton, Curt and Azalee Barton, Lonnie and Delores Barton, Nancy Barton, Sally and Cecil Wilson, Hallie and DeBoyce Williams, Mossie and Ed Estes, Beedie Barton Roberts, Rev. Bill Poore, June Owens, John Owens, Paul and Clara Murphy, Ethel and Henlin Lane, Maureen and Joe Smith, Hazel and Luther Brooks and Laura Owens.

Left to mourn his great absence but rejoice in his deliverance unto eternal life are his younger siblings, to whom he was a hero, Mark (Neville Anne) Barton, Alan (Linda) Barton, Jack Barton, and Tammy Barton Ausmus (Scott); nephews and nieces, Brad (Tara) Barton, Justin (Heather) Barton, Nicole Barton Mike (Blaine), Brooke Ausmus Sexton (Aaron) and Barton Ausmus (LeShae); great-nephews and nieces, Lucas Barton, Megan Barton Simpson (John), Carson Barton, Hadley Barton, Meredith Mike, and Cayson Ausmus; and Aunt Nellie Barton Poore, Uncle Earl “Logger” Roberts, and Aunt Alma Owens. Benny leaves behind a great host of cousins, on both Barton and Owens sides of his family, with whom he cherished and shared so many precious memories.

The family of Benny Barton will receive friends on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Meldrum Missionary Baptist Church, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with his pastor, Rev. Richard Barnett, and friend, Rev. Bobby Bennett, presiding. Music will be provided by nephew Brad Barton and Brother, Sister-in-law and niece (The Barton Trio). 

Burial will immediately follow in Yellow Hill Cemetery, Middlesboro, KY,  where Benny will be laid to rest beside his dear mother and father. 

Pallbearers include Benny’s only brother-in-law, Scott Ausmus, nephews, Brad Barton, Justin Barton, Blaine Mike, Aaron Sexton, Barton Ausmus, Lucas Barton, John Simpson and Carson Barton. 

Honorary pallbearers include: T.J. “Joe” Crawford, Dan Carmack, Cleavey Messer, Elmo Greer & Sons Asphalt Crew, great-nephew Cayson Ausmus and so many special cousins with whom he shared a special bond.

Though Benny had led an active life with a history of overall good health, his final years arrived with numerous issues. He had been compassionately cared for by Sherri Robertson and providers/staff at Harrogate Health Group, as well as, Brandon Roark and staff of Tri-State Medical Care. Though all of Benny’s siblings were honored to share in the responsibility of seeing to his needs and wellness, his brother Jack had provided especial attentiveness as their doors were just a few steps away from one another- a role in which Jack had been lovingly dutiful.

In addition to care providers, the family extends heartfelt appreciation to A Touch of Class Florist, Meldrum Missionary Baptist Church and the compassionate owners/operators and staff of Cawood Funeral Home.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Benny Ardon Barton are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, Kentucky.