On July 27, 2026, Ed, after a lifetime of turning “broken” into “fixed” and “useless junk” into “useful treasures”, passed away peacefully at the age of 84.
Born in Murray, Utah, on September 13, 1941, Ed—or “Eddie” to some—was the son of Margaret Larson Erickson and Ferrin William Barton. Raised by his grandparents, he learned early the value of hard work, self-reliance, and figuring things out for himself. He graduated from Murray High School.
Ed possessed a mechanical instinct that couldn’t be taught. He could look at a pile of discarded parts, old hardware, or worn-out equipment and immediately envision how it could be repurposed into something useful. Where most people saw junk, Ed saw possibility. With enough determination, creativity, and whatever happened to be lying around the shop, he could tinker his way to a solution that almost always worked.
His business sense showed itself early. He began with a paper route, graduated to repairing and selling bicycles, then buying and fixing cars as a young man. Throughout his life, he owned several successful businesses, most notably an automatic fire sprinkler installation company, working in commercial buildings throughout Utah, including the original Trolley Square Mall. Ed was a member of UA Local 669 Sprinkler Fitters Union. He was also the lead investor in several property investments.
He developed a passion for vintage Cadillacs. He became well known for buying, restoring, and selling classic Cadillacs and rare parts for collectors across the United States and around the world.
His shops were legendary. Ed collected tools everywhere he went—especially at garage sales—and firmly believed that every nut, bolt, screw, and odd piece of metal would eventually have a purpose. If he owned one specific tool, he probably owned ten, and despite what looked like chaos to everyone else, he knew exactly where every one of them could be found.
Ed divided his time between Salt Lake City, Utah, Mountain View, Wyoming, and Mesquite, Nevada, where he always managed to find a favorite morning coffee group and people to visit with. While living in Nevada, a daily trip to the casino to play Pai Gow poker became part of his routine—not because he was chasing jackpots, but because he liked the social atmosphere.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and waterskiing, and sharing those pursuits with family and friends.
Ed is survived by his wife, Sharon Benedict; his children Merri Lee Zaba (Mark) and Tom Barton; his grandchildren Mya and Robby Zaba; his dear sister Sharon Packer; his wife’s children Jim Benedict (Hope), Bruce Benedict (Lori), and Kym Stephens (Kaycee); their children; Harlan, Emilee, Brooke, Clay, Corbin and Cagen Benedict; Karlee Lehning; McKynly and Weston Stephens. He is also survived by Lee Ann Beach Barton, whom he was previously married to for 35 years.
Ed tinkered with nearly everything, complained about almost nothing, and met pain with his familiar response: “I think it’s a little better today.
He is now at peace—and, presumably, still knows exactly where everything is.
The family would like to thank his good friend, Mark Woodard, Sunrise of Sandy, and Inspiration Hospice. An open house to honor and celebrate Ed will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please feel free to share your memories at www.starksfuneral.com.
