Sterlin Barton

Sterlin Barton of Thrall, TX passed away Monday night, August 11, 2014, in Albuquerque, NM. He and his wife, Merrilyn, had attended the wedding of their great-niece in Roswell, NM and then went on to Albuquerque to vacation.

Sterlin was born in Longview, TX on December 3, 1943. He grew up in Longview, the son of Sterlin and Jessie Barton and graduated from Longview High School in 1961. The First Baptist Church in Longview was a very important part of his family's life.

Sterlin followed in the footsteps of "Dear Tom" - his uncle - and went on to graduate from the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas in 1966. He married Merrilyn Turner, his high school sweetheart, on June 18, 1966, and began his career in hospital pharmacy. He worked at Seton Medical Center in Austin for over 40 years.

Upon retirement, Sterlin and Merrilyn moved to Thrall and became members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale. Sterlin also became a member of the Good Water Master Naturalists of Williamson County and the Milam County Genealogy Society.

He loved to fish and spent time helping children learn to fish. He and Merrilyn had taken several wonderful trips studying the history of many states. Sterlin was well-known for telling humorous stories. He loved to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh.

Sterlin is survived by his wife, Merrilyn, of 48 years; his daughters, Susan Elaine Westveld and husband Kurt, and Sharon Elise Zarriello and husband Ronnie, all of Austin. His grandchildren, Keely and Keaton, were the loves of his life. In addition, Sterlin is survived by his brother, Fred and wife, Terry, of Springtown; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Ben Carnes of Vicksburg, MS; brother-in-law Jerry Turner and father-in-law C.C. Turner of Longview, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, whom he greatly enjoyed.

Sterlin was a loving husband, father and "Poppa" and will be missed greatly by his family. A visitation will be held on Monday, August 18th from 6-8 pm at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd., Taylor, TX. Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, August 19th at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 101 N 3rd St, Thorndale, TX 76577.