Brent Barton

Brent E. Barton entered his eternal life on Tuesday, October 15, 2019. After a fierce and fast battle with an aggressive cancer, Brent peacefully passed in his longtime home of Keller, Texas, surrounded by his loving wife and kids. He will forever be known as a beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Businessman, Hunter, Fisherman, Big Time Operator “BTO”, Capt’ Honey, Big B, Biggen, Bub, Pard and Dude, these are just a few of the endearing titles that he held during his time with us.
Brent was born December 6, 1956 in Enid, Oklahoma, to Max and Beverly Barton. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, in 1979 with a Master’s degree in Accounting and Business. During his time at OU, Brent was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He formed lifelong friendships with his fellow Beta brothers and looked forward to their annual “golden boys” trip each year. He often shared stories of his memories made at OU, and always had a few jobs while being a fulltime student. Above all, OU football was a life passion and he always made his way to Norman or a Bowl Game every year.
He married the love of his life, Debbie LaPoma, on April 19, 1986. The love they shared for each other was obvious and never stopped growing throughout their 33 years of marriage. They raised three children together and found no greater joy than time spent together as a family.
Brent valued his family the most, and was a devoted father that took enormous pride in being involved in all that they did. His proudest moments were walking his daughter Abbey down the aisle and watching his two sons, Max and Jack, achieve the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. Brent was a leader in the Scouting program, orchestrated many treks each year and made sure he helped every young man that wanted to succeed in Scouts.
Brent’s infatuation with entrepreneurship and love for business developed at a young age. He was a talented businessman and the happiest when he was busy working and challenged. Brent’s work ethic was not for the faint at heart. After he graduated from OU, he went to work with his older brother Bruce in the insurance industry at the Barton Companies. He met his wife a few years later and they made their home together in Edmond, Oklahoma. Brent was intrigued by the financial business industry and with the advice of a dear friend, went to work for Merrill Lynch. In his 33-year career in the financial service industry, Brent rose from Branch Manager with Merrill Lynch, where he landed the biggest account that office had seen, although he was just a “rookie” at the time. His career excelled when he was recruited by Rauscher Peirce Financial Services to manage the Fort Worth office. This was a dream he always had and in 1996, he and Debbie moved their family to Texas. Brent and Debbie became founding members in Southlake Blvd Presbyterian Church, where Brent served as an Elder. In Brent’s typical manner, he wanted more of a challenge and knew there was a niche in the industry that needed attention. Years later, he went to work for WFG Investments where he created a new division. He became President of Alternative investments which became very successful. His interest and passion in alternative investments led him to create and form his own company. He formed a partnership, MBD Solutions, which provides unique financial services to the marketplace. Brent was driven to a level most people only wish they could achieve. His company became very respected and successful. Brent formed close relationships with many people who crossed his path in this industry.
Not only a leader in business, Brent had the gift of entertaining. He was so generous to his friends and family. He always wanted to make sure if you were with him, it was a guaranteed good time. He insisted on handling everything for you to make you feel welcome and experience a great time. He was always surrounded by his family and large group of friends that would never want to miss an event he orchestrated. With his contagious positive outlook on life, Brent’s hospitality will be fondly remembered with a twinkle in his eye. He was an avid parrot head, talented joke and storyteller, distinguished tailgater, skeet-shooting grand potente of the ‘committee’ and creator of his famous one-liners also known as “Brent-isms.” Anyone who got a glimpse of this will always remember the time of its creation. “I’m going to get my ears lowered”, meant he had to get a haircut. He would remind everyone, it’s important to “keep up and always lean in” on all you do. “You are building the book of your life, how’s the next page or chapter going to look for you?” Whether it was at the Shangri-La marina or Eagle Mountain Lake where he loved boating, catching trout out of the foggy waters of the White River, or basking in the sun on the beaches of Turks & Caicos, Brent will also be remembered as a good man to float the rivers and waters of the earth.
Brent was big on providing for anyone in need, and we could always count on him to be prepared. He had a heart made for service that was driven by his never-ending work ethic. His calm demeanor, big beautiful eyes, and vivacious twang will forever be embedded in our hearts.
Brent was preceded in death by his mother and father; Max and Beverly Barton, and older brother Bruce Barton. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; their three children, son, Max and his wife, Caroline; daughter, Abbey and her husband, Andrew; son, Jack; brother, Brad and his wife Mary Lou; sister-in-law, Nancy Barton; and numerous friends, nieces and nephews who adored him. His passing has left a void in our lives.


The celebration of Brent’s life will be held at Whites Chapel United Methodist Church, where Brent and his family are members. The service will be Monday, November 11, at 1:00pm with a reception to follow. Family encourages everyone attending to wear their favorite Buffett, or Beach attire in celebration of Brent’s life.
In lieu of flowers, there will be memorial fund in Brent’s name at his fraternity. Donations can be sent to Beta Theta Pi Corporation of Oklahoma
P.O. Box 721805
Norman, OK 73070

In the Memo Line of the Check, write "Brent Barton Memorial."
For tax deductible purposes. The memorial contribution checks can be made to the
“Beta Theta Pi Foundation.”

The Beta Theta Pi Foundation is a registered 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. The Foundation’s EIN is 80-0296934

The headquarters of that foundation is:
5134 Bonham Road
Oxford, Ohio 45056

Anyone sending a contribution, or corporate match, to the address in Ohio should designate that it is for “Oklahoma DEA - Brent Barton Memorial.” That will get it into the proper fund at that foundation for the OU Beta chapter Designated Educational Area (DEA).