Travis O'Neil Barton

Travis O’Neil Barton, age 83, of Green Cove Springs, passed away on June 17, 2013, while in the care of Community Hospice of Mandarin. Born in Boldo, Alabama, Mr. Barton completed high school in Jasper, Alabama, where he worked for the J.C. Penney Company before serving in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Returning from military duty to his hometown, he married, set off to complete his education and begin his married life at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, where he graduated. Soon after, he applied for a teaching position in Clay County and taught in four different schools in Green Cove Springs for 36 years before retiring 20 years ago due to illness. One of five children raised on a small farm, Mr. Barton’s fellow teachers and students will remember more about his shared experiences back in rural Alabama, perhaps, than they will the historical dates and events they studied in his history and social studies classes. He began his career at Reinhold Jr. High School in 1958, moving to Green Cove Springs Jr. High in 1961, then being transferred to the “old” Clay High through 1970 and completing his teaching at the present Clay High School where he served as Social Studies Department Chairman for a number of years and conducted graduation programs for a number of classes. Mr. Barton was predeceased by his devoted wife, Dean and by his younger son, Timothy, two brothers, Harley and Daniel and one sister, Myrtle Weakley of Jasper, Alabama. Surviving him are his son and daughter-in-law, Dudley and Terrie Barton of Green Cove Springs, his brother Arlen of Russellville, Kentucky, granddaughter, Christy and her sons Travis and Michael, grandson Brian and his daughters Joshalynn and Britanny and sons Hunter Barton and Trenton Barton and several nieces and nephews. Travis’ favorite avocation was woodworking. Evidence of his talent with wood can be found in his prize creations plentiful in his own home and the homes of his friends. His fellow teachers, administrators, former students and any who knew him best can agree that Travis spoke his mind honestly and kept his word. His teaching was inspired by his own life’s lessons as well as lessons in textbooks. He will long be remembered for his fairness, dependability, respect for tradition and the pride he took in his work and in his loving family, who were devoted to both of their parents. Those privileged to know and work alongside him will miss him greatly. When God created Travis he “threw away the mold” and we will not see the likes of him again soon. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2013 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Barton officiating. Visitation will be held that morning in the chapel from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery.