Paul R. Barton, 54, of Stevens Point, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Services will be at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Vance Elzinga will officiate.  Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Paul was born July 5, 1963 in Wisconsin Rapids to Clifford J. and LaVonne P. (Loomans) Barton.  He was a 1981 graduate of Lincoln High School and studied diesel mechanics at Mid-State Technical College.  He married Judith Kuhn, but the marriage ended in permanent separation.

Paul loved the outdoors and nature.  He loved fishing, especially, but also hunting, viewing the stars and the moon, and growing plants and gardening.  He had a very green thumb and seemed to have the ability to make anything grow.  He also loved cats and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  He was a longtime volunteer and passionate supporter of the MREA energy fair, was active in the Portage County Arts Council, and was a devoted supporter and close friend to many local musicians.  He also loved to play 90 FM trivia.  Paul was a good friend to many and although he never had children of his own, he loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending birthdays and holidays with them.

Paul is survived by his mother and step-father, LaVonne (James) Hoogesteger; sisters: Ann Meverden of Marshfield and Lisa (Charlie) Klein of Wisconsin Rapids; five nieces; one nephew; two great-nephews; aunts and an uncle; cousins; and many friends.  He is preceded in death by his father, Clifford; brother, Larry; niece, Christina; and a special great-uncle, Henry Joling, who was like a father to him and who shared a love of the outdoors with Paul.

He will be greatly missed by many.