Obituary

Jack "Jackie" Pinson Barton, 88, of Katy, Texas, passed peacefully into eternal life on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. He was born May 22, 1922, in Kerens, Texas, to Jack and Josephine Barton. On Sept. 5, 1947, he married Dolores Hodges in Crosbyton, Texas. Jackie grew up at Bartonsite in the home built by his grandparents, Joseph James and Mary Harlan Barton, West Texas pioneers. The Barton House is now part of the National Ranching Heritage Museum at Texas Tech University. A 1939 graduate of Abernathy High School, Jackie was a longtime member of Abernathy First Methodist Church, served on the church board and helped build the church sanctuary. Jackie served his country in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He farmed near Cotton Center for many years and was named an Abernathy FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer. He served as a volunteer with the Abernathy EMS. He and his wife Dolores donated land for the Abernathy Community Park. Jackie and Dolores have lived in Katy since 2006. He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Dolores, and their four children: Terry Barton and his wife Marilyn of Marietta, Ga.; Steve Barton and his wife, Cathy, of Lexington, Ken.; Gregg Barton and his wife Becky of Clear Lake, Texas; and Barbara Tucker and her husband David of Katy, Texas. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brett and his wife Marilynn, Bryan, Emily and Rachel Barton; Kyle, Jana and Andrew Tucker; Melissa Tucker O'Rear and her husband Jason; and Mindy Barton Fitzpatrick and her husband Jim; and a great-granddaughter, Keira Fitzpatrick. Other survivors include his sister, Betty Barton Major of Camp Verde, Ariz.; a brother, Bob Barton and his wife Penny of Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father and mother; brother Joseph James Barton III; sister Audrey Claire "Sissy" Barton; and grandson, Scott Barton. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 in First United Methodist Church of Abernathy with Dr. Steve Barton and the Rev. Brian Brownlow officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Abell Funeral Home. Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to First Methodist Church of Abernathy, Texas.