Delmar Barton

Delmar Barton, 93, of Salem, IA, passed away, Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the Henry County Health Center. An open visitation will be held from 1:30-6 p.m., on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 14th at Salem Congregational Church with Pastor Aaron Helterbran officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Henry County Honor Guard. Interment will be at Salem East Cemetery. Memorials have been established to Salem Congregational Church and Salem Veterans Memorial. Born November 25, 1922 in Salem, IA, Delmar Otis was the son of Rex A. "Tom" and Birdie M. (McDowell) Barton. He was a graduate of Salem High School Class of 1941. On July 28, 1946, he married Marguerite Morrison in Salem, IA. Delmar served his country in the United States Army Air Corp during WWII. He had trained as a tail gunner on a B29 in the 873rd Bombardment Squadron. This squadron would have been involved in the second bombing of Tokyo had their plane not crashed on it last training flight near Kearney, NE on September 24, 1944. Delmar received an Army Commendation for his actions after the crash, while he himself had received serious injury. A lifelong resident of Salem, Delmar worked as a mechanic and tool and die fabricator at Metromail for 25 years. He retired from this position in 1990. Active in his community, Delmar served one term as mayor of Salem. He was a member of Salem Congregational Church and Simkin-Pidgeon American Legion Post #94. Favorite hobbies included fishing, trapping and hunting. He collected arrowheads and enjoyed counted cross stitching. Delmar had a large iris garden at his home, and he won numerous awards for his irises. Survivors include his wife, Marguerite; three daughters, Nancy (Wayne) Krieger of Salem, IA, Patty (John) Bohrman of Mt. Pleasant, IA and Diane (Robert) Ledbetter of Salem, IA; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and eight great, great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents. Cemetery Details Salem East Cemetery Salem, IA, Visitation FEB 13. 01:30 PM - 06:00 PM Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel 709 Mapleleaf Drive Mt Pleasant, IA, US, 52641 olsonpowell@lisco.com Funeral service FEB 14. 02:00 PM Salem Congregational Church 106 E Oak Street Salem, IA, US, 52649