He was born in Hallettsville, Texas, on Sept. 16, 1940, to Ed and Frances (Valla) Barton. He attended school in Weimar, Texas. On October 28, 1959, he joined the Army National Guard until his honorable discharge on June 27, 1965.

He was united in marriage to Geraldine (Geri) Girndt on Nov. 4, 1962. To this union, one daughter was born.

Alton worked most of his life for an aggregate company until his retirement. He then opened a small business working on lawn mowers, small engines and chainsaws, up until his “second” retirement.

Alton had a love for fishing and hunting and was known to “disrupt” a few Thanksgiving Day meals because of his timing and hunting skills. He finally decided to give up hunting in exchange for the enjoyment of just watching the deer come to his feeders to eat. He loved all kinds of animals, tame or wild, and looked forward each day to see what new critters he might find at the feeders at mealtime. One day to his surprise, a family of pot-bellied pigs just showed up to eat. He never knew where they had come from and had never seen them again.

Alton is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Geri; one daughter Kristie and husband Ken Untermeyer; sisters Charlotte Brown (Ray), Nancy Davenport (Karl “Buz”), Shirley Koopmann, Carolyn Bruisma, all of Columbus, and Marilyn Polvado of Taylor; nieces Patsy Koopmann (Todd) and Kayla Davenport; nephews Alan Koopmann (Maricela) and Jerry Polvado. He is also survived by special grand-kitties Noodle, Trixie and Izzie.

Alton was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Frances Barton; brothers-in-law Lloyd Koopmann and Floyd Polvado; and nephew Ronnie Koopmann. He was also preceded in death by special grand-kitty Tinker.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Untermeyer, Ray Brown, Karl “Buz” Davenport, John Mikulenka, Kriss Parker, Donnie Wavra, Thomas Wavra, Roger Dolejsi and Raymond Tomlinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, Texas 78934; or The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, 240 Svoboda Lane, La Grange, Texas 78945.

Onl ine condolences may be given at www. hennekefuneralhome. com.