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Robert Kelly Barton
Robert “Bob” Barton of Irondale, Missouri was born Tuesday, June 10, 1919 in Shreveport, Louisiana, a son of the late Sophia (Kelly) Barton and husband Conrad Barton. Bob departed this life on Thursday, March 3, 2005 at the Washington County Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love and dedication of his dear family. Bob was Eighty-five Years, Eight Months and Twenty-three days of age at the time of his death.
Bob was united in marriage to Jeanette Ruth Ives on July 3, 1939 in Farmington, Missouri. They were blessed to have four children and Sixty-four years together. Ruth preceded Bob in death on May 21, 2003.
Bob is survived by two daughters, Brenda Jane Guggenberger and husband Edward of Bismarck, Missouri, Rhonda Meredith Wimberley and husband Larry of Grove, Oklahoma; two sons, Robert Carl Barton of Bismarck, Missouri, Michael Kelly Barton and wife Annie of Potosi, Missouri; one sister, Dorothy Drummond of Springfield, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; Sister-in-law, Vickie Barton of Collinsville, Illinois and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and special friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was also preceded in death by two grand sons, Larry Blaine Wimberley and Ryan Bernard Barton and three brothers, George Barton, Jack Barton and Russell Barton.
Bob had accepted Christ as his savior and was a long time member of the Irondale First Baptist Church, Irondale, Missouri. He was a Royal Ambassador Teacher and a Sunday School Teacher. Bob had also served as a Deacon for the Church.
Bob served this Country in the United States Army, Bob was inducted on March 13, 1944 and Honorably Discharged on Jan 1, 1946. Bob served during World War II in the 2nd Battalion of the 19th Infantry Regiment. During the time of November 10 to November 23, 1944 Bob and his unit was cited as for Bravery and distinction for they had fought their way through enemy lines for five days, they were surrounded, attacked and unable to evacuate their wounded and suffering from hunger and exposure, yet the unit held. On November 20 the Battalion broke and made their way back to American lines with a loss of 31 killed, 55 wounded, 2 missing and 241 suffering from exposure, fatigue and tropical diseases. Bob was issued The Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the armed enemy during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations, Three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbons. Bob was a Past Member of the American Legion Post, Bismarck, Missouri and a Life Member of the V.F.W. Post #6947, Bismarck, Missouri.
Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. and the Order of Eastern Star, Irondale, Missouri.
Bob loved spending time in the out of doors fishing and telling stories. He could never meet a stranger. A hello and a hand shake was his first priority when he would meet someone on the street in passing. He always had time to listen and talk as long as the other. During the last two years, Bob has resided at the Potosi Manor and the employees there have became a large part of his extended family. He took great pride in teasing each of them, this was his way of saying “Thank You and I Love You”.
Bob loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and had nicknames for each of you. They always made him smile. His family knew his love for them and each of them held a very dear and special place in his heart.
Visitation was held Saturday, March 5, 2005 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, March 6, 2005 from 11:00 AM to 1:45 PM at the Moore Funeral Home, Irondale, Missouri.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 6, 2005 at 2:00 PM at the Irondale First Baptist Church with Reverend Bruce Torrence officiating.
Burial was in the Big River Cemetery, Irondale, Missouri on Sunday, March 6, 2005 at 3:00 PM. Military Honors were given by the Missouri Funeral Honors Team and the Washington County VFW Post #6996. Honors included folding and presentation of the American Flag, Gun Salute and playing of Taps. Serving as Pallbearers were Michael Barton, Mark Wimberley, Cory Clark, Zachary McClain, Larry Kelly, Darren McClain, Eddie Riess and Dave Faircloth.
Arrangements were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Home, 104 Oak Street, Irondale, Missouri.