Overview
Co-founded Rent-A-Center in 1973 with partner Tom Devlin. In May 1987, he and his wife, Patsy, gave $12 million to endow WSU’s Business School which was later dedicated in his name. Barton was also appointed to the WSU Board of Trustees and was bestowed the Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa degree. He passed away in September 2000. His son, Craig Barton, will accept the honor on his behalf.