Ira David “Papa” Barton, age 80, was called to heaven January 13, 2013. Papa was born August 20, 1932, to Alfred and Thelma, in Bellwood, West Virginia. In 1968, he married his love, Carol Lynne, and they shared 41 blessed years together. You would never know a more devoted husband and loving father. Simply put, to know him was to love him.
Among Papa’s greatest accomplishments was his service to his country. He joined the Air Force at age 17 and proudly served our country for 25 years. He served with distinction in Viet Nam (Bronze Star), Europe and in many parts of our country, and fondly shared stories with his family. His final tour with the Air Force was in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he retired in 1975 and thereafter worked for NORAD and Lockheed Martin.
Papa was an avid bowler and sports fan, delighted in twirling his Carol Lynne around the dance floor, and contributed heartily to many a slot machine. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol, and his brother, James Jarrell. He is survived by his sister, Judy Thomas, and his children, Terri (Daniel Mullin), Kelly (Matthew Banks), Mark Sullivan, Shelly Swearingen, Shawna (David Peele), Beth (Jonalan Brickey), Carol, David and Gary; 19 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
The impact Papa had on every life he touched is indescribable. Nothing got in the way of his drive and zest for life. He will always be our IRONMAN.
Visitation will be Friday, January 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Papa’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.