Barbara Jean (Wilbanks) Decker Barton

Graveside services for Barbara Jean (Wilbanks) Decker Barton, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Antioch Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barton passed away peacefully at her home on March 13, 2026.

Barbara was born on February 22, 1939, in West Plains, Missouri, to Clyde Wilbanks and Ethel Powers. She spent much of her life in the community where she was born and was known for her kindness, generosity, and warm heart toward others.  On December 24, 1959, Barbara was united in marriage to Roy Decker. From this union, four children were born: Larry, Donna, Richard, and Bennie. Later in life, she married Franklin Barton on June 24, 2006, in Peace Valley, Missouri.  Barbara had many hobbies and interests that brought her joy. She loved collecting dolls and Coca-Cola memorabilia and enjoyed spending quiet time working on her word search puzzle books. She was a kind-hearted and very generous woman who found happiness in buying things for others and making those around her feel cared for. She was also admired by many for her beautiful nails, which she always took great pride in. Barbara dearly loved her dog, Sandy, who was a constant companion.  Barbara was of the Baptist faith.  She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her gentle kindness, and the love she shared with family and friends. Her memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by two children, Larry Thomas Decker and wife Kathy of West Plains, Missouri, and Richard Lynn Decker of West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Amy Louise Hill of Paris, Tennessee, Thomas Wayne Decker of Clearwater, Florida, Christina Jean Hollingsworth of Jackson, Tennessee, and Steven Anthony Decker of Paris, Tennessee; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry Wilbanks of Ava, Missouri, and Orvil Wilbanks of Pottersville, Missouri; three sisters, Alma Fox of Peace Valley, Missouri, Bertha Thomas of Willow Springs, Missouri, and Kathy Rohrer of West Plains, Missouri; one bonus  daughter, Tina Basinger; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands, Roy Decker and Franklin Barton; two children, Donna Jean Decker and Bennie Paul Decker; and three brothers, Robert Edward Wilbanks, Clyde Wilbanks, Jr., and Gary Wayne Wilbanks.

Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.