Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Beloved husband of Nancy Barton (nee: Bellini). Dear father of Stephanie (David) Menker and Kimberly Barton. Dear grandfather of Andrew and Adam Menker. Our dear Godfather and friend.
SERVICES: Memorial visitation at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church on Friday, February 17 from 10am until funeral Mass at 12 noon. Inurnment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Mr. Barton was a member of American Legion Post #525 – St. Joseph Croatian, Coach for the Mean Machine slow pitch softball team, St. Ambrose’s Crusaders, St. Gabriel Holy Name Society, a Kutis Girls Basketball coach and a 30year coach for C.Y.C. Girls Basketball at St. Gabriel Parish. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Sick and Elderly on the Hill (2315 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110) appreciated. Kutis Affton Service
Dear friend for many years before and after his married life..We grew up and were married and had children in the same time of our lives… Always very sweet,caring,and most of all Loved GOD FAMILY and FREINDS with all his heart.
“I Feel Good” was always his response when asked How You Doing John..
I know GOD has welcomed you to his Kingdom…Rest In Peace Sweet Man, with those sparkling eyes.
Joe and Sharon Pazdernik
Coach Barton was the best coach I ever had. He listened and really cared about all of us. He was also a great neighbor and friend. I always enjoyed bringing him his Bogarts on the block party and catching up with him. The team already misses you coach!
John Barton was my life-long friend since our first meeting at St. Joseph’s Croatian grade school in 1949. I was truly blessed to have him as a friend and as the “Big Brother” that I never had.
John was just a great guy. His love of his family, friends, church, and anyone he met always made John a loved and respected presence in all his associations. Most importantly, the people he met really knew that he was genuine, interested, and cared about them.
John served over-seas in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic, but you would never know it unless you asked him or the subject came up in conversation. He coached three girls basketball teams over many decades, yet he never sought acknowledgement for the time and effort he gave, he just wanted to help his girls learn and enjoy the attributes of what this sport had to offer. He knew that learning how to compete was important to them because he had two daughters.
John was a quietly fervent Catholic. He regularly attended mass at 6:00 AM, another guarded secret. He volunteered and served his parish on a regular basis and whenever needed. He was the “foot soldier” that was always ready to answer the call. But again, it was his decency, willingness, and dedication to serving others that led by example.
Most importantly John enjoyed people, being active, and living life. We have all lost a very good man, and I have lost my dearest friend.
Gary & Judy Barnett
John was about four years older than me, when we were students at St. Joseph’s grade school. He grew up on 11th & Ann Ave, and we spent a great deal of time in the school yard. His mom was a sweet lady, and as John ‘outgrew’ his prized possessions, she gave some to me a number. Lost track after grammar school, and I believe he was already gone from St. Mary’s when I got there..
RIP
I have known John & Nancy for 50 years plus, in fact I was in their wedding. What sweet people. John was a very quiet, kind. caring & loving man. He was totaling devoted to his family & friends. He never met a stranger nor ever forgot a friend. He had a very contagious laugh & always a smile on his face. When I would call to see how he was feeling, he never complained & always said “peachy*. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace dear friend. God has received another angel.
Rest in peace my friend
We bowled. Together in high school and again later in life at DuBowl
Truly one of a kind !!!
John Barton will be missed but never forgotten. What a great guy and beloved friend. I’ve known John since the seventies when I started working with Nancy. And became fast friends. We vacationed together and partied together (imagine). They were as perfect a couple as anyone could imagine. And wonderful parents to their two beautiful daughters. If you were with them on an outing, you were assured a great time. John will be missed but certainly never forgotten.
My deepest condolences. Seriously, the best basketball coach I’ve ever had. Not only did he coach me at Gabriel’s, but he also coached me at Kutis. His patience and kindness will never be forgotten.
Mrs. Barton, Stephanie, and my dear Kim, thank you for sharing Mr. Barton with us for all of these years. What a guy! If you didn’t learn how to do a lay-up from Mr. Barton, then I am not sure you learned at all! Reading all of the kind tributes above resonate with my recollections of this giving, patient, wonderful soul who gave so much yet asked for nothing in return. I am filled with gratitude as I think of the time and energy he invested into kids who were not even his own. His giving spirit is a rare find, and I count myself as one of the many who benefited from it. I am so sad that he had to move on to the basketball courts in Heaven. All of my biggest hugs to his wonderful wife and daughters. And thank you Mr. Barton, for many happy memories.