Barry Elton
Date: 10/09/2025

Barry Lynn Elton, born March 8, 1945, passed away on October 9, 2025, at the age of 80. A proud lifelong resident of Tooele, Utah, he was the beloved first son of Peggy (Illa) Lynn Elton and Louis Earl Elton. In his younger years, Barry delivered milk to schools across Terra, Dugway, and Clover. He later began his long career at the Tooele Army Depot, where he first worked as a Maintenance Officer and, through dedication and leadership, retired after 29 years of service as a Quality Control Manager. Barry married Karla Lynn Hinkel, and together they welcomed two children, Wendi and Shawn. They later divorced but continued to be friends. Barry later married Cindy Smith, who remained his loving wife and companion until his passing. Barry was an avid hunter and a skilled horseman, known for his grit, humor, and connection to the western way of life. In his younger days, he rode bareback horses in rodeos, and he was a proud member of the Tooele Bit ’n Spur Rodeo Club, where he dedicated countless years of service. He helped maintain the rodeo grounds, numbered the cows for team penning, and proudly managed the rough stock chute crew every rodeo season. Above all, Barry was an honorable man. He believed that “the only thing you leave behind is your reputation,” and he lived by the principle: If you say you’re going to do something — do it. His legacy is one of dependability, integrity, and quiet strength. He is survived by his wife Cindy Elton; his children Wendi Elton (Bethany) and Shawn Elton (Lynette); his stepchildren Mindy Smith (Nick), James Smith (Rebecca), and Mallory Smith (Max); and his grandchildren Taylore Elton, Mikali Carter, Amanda McMain, Braxton Swensen and Mason Valdez. He also leaves behind his sister Kathy, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Peggy and Louis Elton, and his brothers Robert and Sam Elton. Services: A viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary in Tooele on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A second viewing will take place on Friday, October 17, at the LDS Church at 180 South Coleman Street, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery, where Barry will be carried to his final resting place in a wagon pulled by a two-mule team—a fitting tribute to a true cowboy.