Barton DeWayne Lackey, 80, of Highland, Kansas passed away Sunday, November 29, 2020 at home surrounded by family.

Barton was born on October 26, 1940, in Seneca, Kansas to Cyril Bernard and Blanche (Nolte) Lackey. He grew up in the areas of Kansas, Colorado and Missouri as the oldest of nine children. Barton graduated from Highland High School in 1960. After high school, he served his country in the National Guard from 1960 - 1966. Barton married the love of his life, Patricia (Duncan) Lackey, on June 25, 1966 at Sacred Heart Church in Emporia, Kansas. Together, he and Patricia raised six children in Highland.

Barton was a hard-working man and a jack of all trades. He had many job experiences throughout his life. While in High School, he did farm work for Floyd and Jerry Neibling. He then drove a bulldozer for Ed Gordon, building terraces and other farm conservation work. He drove a Champlin Tank Wagon for Gene Boos delivering fuel to farmers. Barton worked for Francis Gordon driving heavy equipment, helped build a watershed dam, and worked on highways. He operated his "Floater" Fertilizer Spreader for Valley Grain spreading fertilizer for many farmers. His last job was Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds at Highland Community College for 17 years and retired at 62.

In retirement, Barton stayed busy watching his family grow and eventually became the grandfather to 17 grandchildren. A man of many skills and talents, he was best known to many for being a supportive husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping, or working in his fruit and vegetable garden. He was known to sell produce with Patricia at the local farmers' market. Barton was a past president of the Highland Lions Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a longtime parishioner of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Hiawatha. He passed on his love of popcorn, card playing, and camping to his children and grandchildren. Underneath his tough exterior was a kind and gentle heart and his ornery sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Barton was preceded in death by his parents Cyril Bernard Lackey in 1992, brother-in-law Bobby Dean Miller in 2005, and his mother Blanche Lackey in 2013. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia Lackey. Additional survivors include his six children: son Timothy (Julie) Lackey of Carbon, Indiana, and their children Calvin, Simon, Maggie, and Henry; son Christopher (Amy) Lackey of Highland, Kansas and their sons Caleb and Carson; daughter Juliann (Jody) Franken of Bendena, Kansas and their children Emily and Kole; son Steven (MaryElizabeth) Lackey of Paris, France and their children Logan, Makenna, Adelynn and Haylee; daughter Rebecca (Jamie) Sunnenberg of Manhattan, Kansas and their children Katelynn and Aiden; and son Adam (Melissa) Lackey of Olathe, Kansas and their children, Emma, Connor, and Noah. Also surviving are his eight younger siblings: Robert (Louise) Lackey, Linda (John) Miller-Alfrey, Beverly (Don) Leach, Cyril Bernard (Susie) Lackey Jr., Thomas Lackey, Lisa (Doug) Olson, Kevin (Carla) Lackey, and Mark (Susan) Lackey, and many surviving nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, Kansas, December 11 ^th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Family may be present during the afternoon hours. Masks and social distancing will be required . A Funeral Mass is planned at St. Ann's Parish in Hiawatha on Saturday, December 12 ^th , at 10:00 am, with the Rosary at 9:30. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral mass will be limited to Barton's family, but friends are invited to join them for the graveside burial after the service at the Highland Cemetery. The Rosary and Mass will both be streamed live through the Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland KS facebook page.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Ann's Catholic Church in Hiawatha and Highland Lions Club, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland, KS 66035.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family may do so at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com