BELMONT, Vt. – Paul Lawrence Barton Jr. passed away May 21, in Belmont, Vt. He was 78, born in Rutland, Vt., in 1946, to Paul L. Barton Sr., retired Air Force brigadier general, and Ara (Armstrong). Stationed overseas with his father, Paul fell in love with Japanese artwork and became a talented artist.
He was a corporal in the U.S. Army, earning the National Defense Medal, and was a “rifle expert” sharpshooter. Paul was a member of the American Legion Post 36 in Ludlow; an avid hunter, fisherman, and horseback rider; and had remarkable knowledge of historical firearms. He was a proud Mohawk Indian and “Headman Dancer.”
A graduate of Maryland Institute of Art, Paul was a vice president at Ehrlich-Manes advertising in Washington, D.C. He was a fixture at Okemo Mountain lift stations, greeting skiers with a warm smile and friendly wave.
Paul loved visiting the Bartons of West Main Street in Ludlow, regaling in rich family lore with wit, humor, and a natural storytelling knack.
A memorial in Paul’s honor will be held at New Mechanicsville Cemetery, on Saturday, June 14, at 12 p.m., in Belmont, Vt. Donations in Paul’s name can be made to the American Legion Post 36 in Ludlow, Vt.