Barry Bissell Hinton

MIDDLETON - Barry Bissell Hinton of Middleton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 88. Barry was devoted to his wife, Charmayne, his daughters, and his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Barry was born on December 15, 1936, in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Ross and Martha (Bissell) Hinton. Barry grew up in Guthrie Center, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Charmayne. Their first date was at the Guthrie Center Centennial Dance-a beginning that was followed by formal dances at Grinnell College, where Barry was a student. Barry and Charmayne loved the outdoors and often went for walks and picnics at Springbrook State Park near Guthrie Center. They were married on September 6, 1959.

Barry earned his Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Physics from Grinnell College and the University of Nebraska, respectively. He completed his doctorate in Physics and Atmospheric Science from the University of Michigan.  From 1975 to 1999, Barry worked as a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center, focused on space-based environmental research.

Barry’s research led him on worldwide adventures, including travels to Australia, the Azores, and the Solomon Islands. In 1967, he participated in the launch of an Aerobee Rocket at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.  

After retiring from the University of Wisconsin in 1999, Barry became a Trust Fund Specialist at the Department of Employee Trust Funds, where he worked for more than two decades.

Barry found joy in nature.  He loved backpacking at Isle Royale National Park, camping in the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior Provincial Park, and traveling on the Algoma Central Railway train in Ontario. In recent years, he and Charmayne could often be found birdwatching at Indian Lake Park in Cross Plains, admiring the cranes, egrets, and blue herons.

Barry also enjoyed painting, photography, and classical music, frequently attending concerts at the Overture Center.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Martha; his sister, Sue Hunt; his father and mother-in-law, Avery John II and Ella Menefee; and brother-in-law, John Menefee III.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Charmayne; his daughters, Pam (Michael) Bruzina, Theresa Senft, and Sarah (Karl) Vigen; his grandchildren, Owen Senft, Anna Vigen, and Nate Vigen. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dennis (Beverly) Menefee, and sisters-in-law, Melodee (Dean) Carstens and Lynda Menefee.

Barry’s family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received at the Carbone Cancer Center and during his final days at Agrace in Fitchburg.

To honor Barry’s memory, we plan to dedicate a memorial bench or tree at a local park-a lasting tribute to a life well-lived. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/barry-hinton/. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and will help create a peaceful space to remember Barry.

A celebration of life will be held at THE LAKEVIEW PARK INDOOR SHELTER, 6300 Mendota Ave., Middleton, Wis., at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Memories and online condolences may be shared at https://everloved.com/life-of/barry-hinton/.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

www.gundersonfh.com