David Dominic Barton, (Sr), “Dave” to friends and co-workers, passed peacefully at the age of 78 on June 6, 2024. We know that our loss is Heaven’s gain.
The third child of Carolyn (Ring) and James Franklin Barton (both deceased), David was born in Marysville, Kansas, on March 1st, 1946. The family later moved to Missouri. Growing up, David worked on the family farm. After graduating from East Buchanan High School in Gower, MO, in 1964, David began working at General Motors in KCK where he remained until his retirement on October 1, 2000 after 36 years, receiving awards for suggestions and years of service.
David’s life was dedicated to FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS - and CARS!
He married Joyce (Kempf), his high school sweetheart, April 24, 1965, in St Joseph, MO and the couple began their life together that day in Kansas City, KS where they became members of Christ the King Church.
David was active in the parish and his four children’s activities. Eucharistic minister, parish council, usher, greeter, bell-ringer before mass (until electronics took it over) were some of his parish related activities. Softball coach for one of his daughters and Boy Scouts with his son were two more ways David kept his life busy.
David enjoyed bicycling and participated in the MS150 several years in a row. He was gifted in wood working/crafting/carving. Bookcases, shelf units, plaques, and a custom coffee table for one of his daughters were just a few of his many projects. David worked together with one of his grandsons making several plant stands and dinner lap trays for family.
Travel throughout nearly all of the U.S., including Alaska, and almost all of Canada was a rewarding part of David’s life. He was an amazing driver for all of the trips he and his family took.
His favorite hobby of all was working on cars! Besides working on the GM assembly line, he was always ready and willing and able to work on and fix car problems for family, friends, and co-workers in his “free” time. After retiring from GM, he had a custom garage built to continue his passion for tinkering with cars.
David is survived by wife of 59 years, Joyce; children Angela and husband Chuck; Brigitte; David Jr and wife Steffany; Cheri and husband Bob. Grandchildren are Missy and husband Stephen, Chuck Jr and wife Raichelle, Alexandria and husband Nick, BreAnn and husband Eric, Bradley, Brittany and husband Adam, Matthew, Dean, David, Zoey, James, Zanna, Zircon. Great-grandchildren: Lily, Andrew, Dominic, Ashlyn, Emma, Teddy, Amelia, (plus one on the way!)
David’s siblings: Gertrude, Jim, Charles, Cindy, Ted (deceased), Lillian, Harold (deceased), Frank, Carolyn (deceased).
Visitation is planned for Friday, June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to noon with a brief service being held at 11:15 a.m. with Father Mark Mertes officiating at the Porter Funeral Home, 18th & Minnesota, KCK. Prayers and final committal in Mount Calvary Cemetery at the Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to either the National Park Foundation or the National Wildlife Federation