Kathleen (Barton) Fesperman 91, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully, in her home on Thursday, September 26 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Webster County on June 9, 1928, to Emert and Elvina Barton, and has lived in the Springfield area all of her life.  While she was attending grade school at Dutch Hill, between Fordland and Rogersville, she met Darrell Fesperman who would be her future husband. They married on June 9, 1944, and were happily married for more than 75 years. She is survived by her loving husband,  Darrell, three daughters, Saundra Roper of Fair Grove,  Beverly and Steve Norris of Rogersville, and Rita Davis of Springfield, seven grandchildren Tim Norris (Toni), Paige Norris, Leslie Tillman (Scott), Lisa Bernet (Rob), Sara Huff, Emily Davis, and Andrew Davis(Jody), six great- grandchildren, Josh Norris, Jack Norris, Grace Tillman, Jake Tillman, Katie Fender (Matt), and Michael Thomas (his fiance Katie Earnest), and two great-great-grandsons, Aiden Norris and Calvin Fender, and several step great-& great- great-grandchildren.
Kathleen was a homemaker for most of her life.  In the mid 1950's she and Darrell decided they wanted to buy a home, so she went to work at the new Lily Tulip cup factory in Springfield, where she worked until 1971. She left Lily, and went back to being an immaculate homemaker, loving wife, mother and grandmother, and caretaker of her flowers. After Darrell retired, they began traveling, including all 50 states, and parts of Canada.  Much of their travel was with Sunnyland Tours.  They enjoyed several cruises with Princess cruise lines.  A favorite cruise was a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2000.  They also enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, camping and fishing in the Ozarks area.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Wavie Barton and Wilford (Junior) Barton and one great-grandson.
Kathleen and Darrell have been members of King's Way United Methodist Church for more than 63 years.   A memorial service in her honor will be held in the chapel at King's Way on October 7, with visitation at 1:00 followed by the service at 2:00.
The family would like to thank Integrity Hospice of Springfield, and especially Kristyn and Carolyn for their loving care over the last few weeks.
Online condolences may be shared at klingnerfuneralhome.com