Leon Ernest "Monk" Barton, 81, of Eden passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Durham.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm Wednesday August 20, 2025, at Boone & Cooke Funeral Home.  Interment services will be private.

Monk was born in Leaksville on August 12, 1944, a son of Oscar Holder Barton and Margaret Massey Barton, both deceased.  He was a veteran of the US Army serving his country in Vietnam.  He retired from Sara Lee Knit Company.  He attended the First Church of the Brethren and would volunteer for anything!  He enjoyed serving others through driving for the DAV and helping with the Widows for Christ group.  He was a faithful member of the Bojangles Group and the McDonalds Breakfast Club and will be greatly missed by both groups.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Doug Barton.

Monk is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Craddock Barton of the home; his son, Brian Ernest Barton of Eden; his brothers, Charlie Barton (Suzanne), Eugene Barton (Mary Frances), Ralph Barton (Marge); his grandson, Zack Barton (Mel) and his grand grandchild, Ellie Barton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to DAV -Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or to the First Church of the Brethren, 730 Church Street, Eden, NC 27288.