Ronald Lloyd Barton

Ron Barton (Papa), 89, proud husband and father of two children and four grandchildren peacefully passed away in Charleston, SC on January 24. Ron was preceded in death by DeLoriese and Lloyd Barton, and is survived by his beloved wife Gwendolyn Barton, his loving children Colleen Barton, Brett Barton, and daughter-in-law Emily Barton, and his grandchildren Gwendolyn (Gwennie), Christian, Penelope (Poppy) and Beatrix (Bea).

Ron was born in Oak Park, IL in 1936 to DeLoriese and Lloyd Barton, their only child who was the apple of their eye and center of their world. Ron was raised in Des Plaines, IL and attended Maine West High School. Ron went on to earn a degree in engineering at the University of Colorado before joining the Air Force and serving in the Vietnam war. After the war, Ron worked as a pilot for American Airlines over his entire career, logging hundreds of thousands of miles flying from O'Hare to destinations around the world. He truly loved his job that enabled him to see the world, always poring over flight manuals to make sure he got everyone to their destination safely, but also worked hard to support his family and give them a comfortable happy life.

Ron met the love of his life, Gwendolyn in 1961 at a party while he was based in Charleston, SC (Gwen's "home town"). Ron courted Gwen, picking her up in his convertible and giving elaborate gifts such as live ducklings until they were engaged. They were married at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Charleston while Ron was on a short leave from Vietnam. The reception that followed was held at the Marion Francis hotel with over 500 attendees, most of whom were invited by Gwen's father (Harold Wolff) who was prominent in the Charleston business community. Ron and Gwen settled down in Addison, IL, where they had a close knit group of neighbors (the Gilliam, Mansch, Renzetti, Serbo and other families to name a few), where there was always a fun party or neighbor to lend a hand. They shared a gift of storytelling and passed down so many beautiful stories and memories to their children and grandchildren, who will carry them onward. They were the Two B's until the very end.

Ron was a devoted and loving father to Colleen and Brett. He took great pride in being a parent, especially planning family vacations (flying for free on American Airlines of course), going to the lake house in Fox Lake, imparting his life lessons along the way, and was so proud to see Colleen and Brett build their own families. He was a generous and thoughtful gift giver, giving gifts such as nutcrackers and 100+ stuffed bears from around the world. Christmas was a huge event each year at the Barton household, where their Addison home was filled with joy and love and even when the kids moved on with their own families, everyone would gather and stay overnight at the house together on Christmas eve so they could wake up together on Christmas morning.

In his retirement, Ron loved going on cruises all around the world, trying new restaurants (steak and bbq ribs were two of his favorites) and staying at their condo in the Marina Towers in downtown Chicago, but Ron's favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Papa, never failing to be their chauffeur to sports practices and games, chasing them around the house playing "monster", taking them on cruises and trips, and generally just being there for them in any way possible.

Ron will always be remembered as a caring and proud provider to his family and for his curiosity, always wanting to know every last detail about anything happening in his family's lives. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father and grandparent, and will miss Papa every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

 Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at palmettocs.com/.

 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Palmetto Cremation Society, 5638 N Rhett Ave, Charleston, SC 29406.