Lionel Barton, Prominent Poultry Specialist, Dies At 78

Lionel Barton, who spent most of his life advancing the agriculture industry in Arkansas, died Sept. 19 at his home in Fayetteville. He was 78.

Barton, emeritus professor of poultry science at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was known throughout the Arkansas poultry industry for his 28 years of service as a poultry specialist for the Cooperative Extension Service.

Barton joined the UA faculty in 1967 and served until his retirement in March 1995. He was also instrumental in implementing plans for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and helped obtain significant funding from the Arkansas Energy Office for development and operation of the Broiler Energy Verification Unit, where research was conducted in four commercial-scale broiler houses.

His guidance played a critical role in developing the poultry industry into the largest sector of Arkansas’ agricultural economy. In 1984, he conducted poultry seminars in China. For 13 years he conducted the National Collegiate Poultry judging contest hosted by the UA and continued to remain involved in student recruitment. 

In 1987, he was awarded the Pfizer Poultry Science Extension Award for distinguished service to the poultry industry. He was the first president of the UA Poultry Science Alumni Association.

Barton was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in the Class of 2011.

A memorial service was held Sept. 26 at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.