Jeffrey Clark Barton

Jeffrey Clark Barton — father, educator, trivia master, and lifelong learner — passed away peacefully in the early hours of April 23, 2025, at the age of 70.

Jeff was born on February 13, 1955, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to Clark Laws Barton and Cherril Kay Oyler. Though his early years began under military influence, he was raised in a home centered on faith, music, and family. He enjoyed camping and boating with cousins and was a talented flutist, earning a scholarship to play in the University of Utah marching band. Music was a major part of his early life, and his skill on the flute was something he took pride in during his college years.

As a young man, Jeff served faithfully in the Japan Sendai Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the Japanese people and culture stayed with him throughout his life — from his deep respect for the language and traditions to a lifelong quest to find good inari sushi in the U.S., a search he often joked was never successful, not even in California. His devotion to the Church remained a constant guide throughout his journey.

In 1977, Jeff married AnnMarie, and together they had two children: Jeffrey Lynn and Lorena. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Jeff remained a presence in his children’s lives in the ways he could — sharing interests, hosting visits, and creating a few unexpected adventures, including a memorable roller coaster tour through California.

While teaching and remaining active in the Church in California, Jeff met Brenda, whom he later married. They shared a season of companionship during his later working years. After developing blindness and retiring from teaching, Jeff returned to Utah to receive the care and support he needed closer to family.

Jeff spent over two decades as a special education teacher, primarily in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He worked with both elementary and high school students, and often recalled his time at Crenshaw High as the highlight of his teaching career. He was known for his patience, dry wit, and calm dedication to his students.

A lifelong trivia fan, Jeff rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy! — often answering faster than the contestants and enjoying a quiet laugh when they missed the mark on Final Jeopardy. It was more than a pastime; it was a daily celebration of knowledge and curiosity.

In his later years, Jeff lost his sight and moved into assisted living. Though his world became smaller, his personality stayed true. Much like his father before him, Jeff earned the family title of “The Grouch” — known for his snappy honesty and insistence on things being just right. It was a nickname worn with love, humor, and more than a little truth.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sunridge Assisted Living in Layton and the team at Atlas Hospice for their compassionate and devoted care.

Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Clark Laws Barton; his siblings, Alan Barton and Coleen Barton; his former wife, AnnMarie Barton; his wife, Brenda Barton; and his daughter, Lorena Barton.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Lynn Barton (Abigail); his mother, Cherril Kay Oyler; his siblings, Julian Dale Barton (Kathy) and Laurie Kay Anderson (Paul); and his grandchildren: Raevyn Ann Sewell (Parker), Alexander Jay Barton (Emma), Apollo Crawford (Steven), Lucas Jeffrey Barton, and Cameron James Barton.

To keep Jeff’s memory alive, share something he loved: take someone on a roller coaster, shout out the answers during Jeopardy!, or send that message you’ve been putting off. Remember him in the little joys, the sharp comebacks, and the quiet ways love shows up.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Heritage Ward, 725 South 200 East, Layton, Utah. There will be a visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 am prior to services at the church. You may watch the service online through Zoom using the “Watch Service” button above. Interment will be in the Syracuse City Cemetery.