E. C. Barton & Co., Jonesboro, Ar., has sold the assets of seven Barton's stores in southwest Missouri to Meek's Lumber, Springfield, Mo.

Effective today, Meek's takes over the stores in Mount Vernon, Nevada and Shell Knob. Stores in Carthage, El Dorado Springs, Kimberling City, and Monett have been closed and consolidated with nearby Meek's locations.

Barton's retains locations in Malden and Kennett, Mo., as well as 10 stores in Arkansas.