Joe J. Barton

Joe J. Barton, age 82, of West, passed away early Thursday afternoon, February 27, 2014 at St. Catherine's Center in Waco. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at the West Brethren Church with the Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at West Brethren Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Barton was born April 8, 1931 in Abbott where he grew up on the family farm, the son of Mollie (Popp) and Joe John Barton Sr. Joe was a graduate of Abbott High School, prior to attending Baylor University, McLennan Community College, T.S.T.C. and 4-C Business School. He served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He worked as an inspector and Engineer for the State of Texas Air Control Board over 20 years until his retirement in 1995. Joe also worked for Davis Iron Works and Duff Engineering in Waco. In his special love for music. Joe played the base guitar in several bands including Blackie and the Country Gentlemen, Buddy Holobaugh & the Midnight Cowboys, Dixie Seniors, and West Polka Boys. Joe loved playing bingo and going to all the garage sales in town. He also enjoyed meeting his buddies for a good hamburger at Whataburger. Joe was a longtime and faithful member of West Brethren Church where he was very active and sang in the choir. He was also a member of American Legion, West Masonic Lodge, and S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #54 in West. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Raymond V. Barton; and a sister, Josephine Harper. Survivors include two sons, Terry Barton and wife Jill of Helotes and Darryl Barton of Abbott; a sister, Esther Tlustos; grandson, Kristopher Barton; granddaughter, Kathleen Barton; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of good friends. Pallbearers are Bobby Tlustos, Wayne "Tosty" Tlustos, Dennis Barton, Larry Barton, Ronnie Foit and Terry Crawford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Brethren Church.