Samuel Wayne Barton

Samuel Wayne Barton May 23, 1944 – May 25, 2026

Samuel Wayne Barton of Midland passed away on May 25, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, just two days after his 82nd birthday. He was surrounded by family and the prayers of the many friends who knew and loved him.

Wayne was born in Odessa, Texas, on May 23, 1944, to the late John Samuel Barton and Alene Gurley Barton. A 1962 graduate of Odessa High School, his lifelong passion for the written word began early; as a student, he was a frequent contributor to the school newspaper, The Literary Lasso. He also achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to the dedication and leadership that would define his life.

He went on to attend Texas Technological College in Lubbock to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. It was during a summer break from college that he met the love of his life, Margaret Nell Whisenand, at a local drive-in. They were married on June 4, 1966, in Odessa, beginning a journey that would span nearly six decades.

After graduating from Texas Tech in 1967, Wayne began a long and distinguished career as a Petroleum Engineer with ARCO Oil & Gas. His career took the family across the West, from Hobbs and Roswell, New Mexico—where they welcomed their son, Charles—to Midland, Texas—where they added their daughter, Kristin—then to Casper, Wyoming. They eventually returned to Midland and remained for the next 52 years. Wayne retired from ARCO in 1994, though he continued to share his expertise through consulting.

In his retirement, he fully leaned into his love of the great outdoors and his passion for travel. His life was defined by his storytelling spirit and his dedication to his family and faith. A pillar of the local faith community, Wayne served as a Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian church for many years and was most recently an active member of First Methodist Midland. He also found deep purpose in serving others as a support group leader at the Samaritan Counseling Center.

Beyond his professional life, Wayne was a gifted storyteller and a dedicated member of the Western Writers of America, where he served on its Board of Directors from 1985–1987. His literary contributions were widely recognized; he received the Medicine Pipe Bearer Award in 1982 for his novel Ride Down the Wind and the prestigious Spur Award in 1981 for his article "One Man’s Code." In addition to his solo works, Wayne enjoyed a prolific partnership with his friend and co-author, Stan Williams, with whom he collaborated on eight novels.

Wayne was never happier than when he was encouraging the next generation of writers. He frequently visited schools to talk to students about the craft of writing and was always willing to share his love and personal journey into the world of literature with anyone who showed interest.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret Barton; son, Charles (Melanie) Barton of Ft. Worth; daughter, Kristin (Travis) Hale of San Antonio. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Nathanial (Shelley) Stokes, Zachary Barton, Claire Hale, Ella Barton, Mason Barton, Cade Hale, and Cash Hale; one great-grandchild, Zola. He is also survived by his niece Linda Kay (Craig) Madeen of Midland, his brother-in-law George (Sheila) Whisenand of Gatesville, multiple nieces, and

great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Alene Barton, and his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Maxine Barton.

The celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E Business 20, Odessa, Texas 79762. Steve Brooks of First Methodist Midland will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Wayne.