Roll Call Tribute
Joel Barton Jr. '38 May 21, 2018 8:48 AM updated: May 29, 2018 8:34 AM
(Published in) The (Bryan-College Station) Eagle (on) May 20, 2018
Barton, Jr., Joel R.
December 7, 1915 - May 17, 2018
One hundred and two years ago on December 7, 1915, Joel R. Barton, Jr. made his appearance into the world. He was born by cesarean section on the kitchen table on the west Texas ranch near Big Lake, TX, which was operated by his parents Joel R. Barton, Sr. and Susie Abernathy Barton. Jody, as he was called, had red hair and freckles and learned to ride a horse almost before he learned to walk. He and his older sister Naomi Sue grew up herding sheep and cattle and riding horses. Later Jody helped develop the first quarter horses. Jody was what you would call "a real cowboy," roping, riding and shooting, mending fences and breaking horses. He says he even tried to once ride a buffalo, but didn't stay on too long. Those cowboy boots could also dance all night long.
After graduating from Big Lake High School, where Jody was quite the athlete, he entered Texas A&M, where he was a walk on football player. Ranch Management was Jody's major at Texas A&M, where he graduated in 1938. The first A&M mascot Reveille slept in Jody's room at night and cruised the campus during the day.
Upon graduation Jody joined the Army Airforce and learned to fly. According to him, he was a darn good pilot, too. He and Mary Rebecca Foster of Calvert were married in 1941. Jody was stationed at West Point, NY where he taught flying, then later in CA, where he flew his plane under the Golden Gate Bridge.
After WWII, Jody, Becky and daughter Suzanne moved back to Texas, where son Joel R. Barton III was born. Jody worked in farming and ranching until taking a job with the Texas A&M Extension Service teaching electrical welding. After Becky's death, Jody married Betty Jane Oberbacher of Bryan. Jody and Betty lived in Calvert and Hilltop Lakes before moving to Bryan. Married for 37 years, Jody and Betty were members of Hilltop Lakes Chapel and the Texas A&M Foundation.
Jody is survived by his wife, Betty Barton of Bryan; son, Joel Barton and wife Ann of Lumberton; and daughter, Suzanne Fisk of Broken Arrow, OK; step children, Kim Gray and husband Bill of Hearne and Mark Oberbacher of Denton; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-grea- grandchildren, all who loved their Papaw.
Jody was a builder, a builder of things and a builder of lives. He touched and nurtured many along the way, especially kids. Happy Home Going, Jody! In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10 am Monday, May 21, at Sneed Memorial United Methodist Church in Calvert, TX, services will follow at 10am with interment at Calvert City Cemetery.
Barton, Jr., Joel R.
December 7, 1915 - May 17, 2018
One hundred and two years ago on December 7, 1915, Joel R. Barton, Jr. made his appearance into the world. He was born by cesarean section on the kitchen table on the west Texas ranch near Big Lake, TX, which was operated by his parents Joel R. Barton, Sr. and Susie Abernathy Barton. Jody, as he was called, had red hair and freckles and learned to ride a horse almost before he learned to walk. He and his older sister Naomi Sue grew up herding sheep and cattle and riding horses. Later Jody helped develop the first quarter horses. Jody was what you would call "a real cowboy," roping, riding and shooting, mending fences and breaking horses. He says he even tried to once ride a buffalo, but didn't stay on too long. Those cowboy boots could also dance all night long.
After graduating from Big Lake High School, where Jody was quite the athlete, he entered Texas A&M, where he was a walk on football player. Ranch Management was Jody's major at Texas A&M, where he graduated in 1938. The first A&M mascot Reveille slept in Jody's room at night and cruised the campus during the day.
Upon graduation Jody joined the Army Airforce and learned to fly. According to him, he was a darn good pilot, too. He and Mary Rebecca Foster of Calvert were married in 1941. Jody was stationed at West Point, NY where he taught flying, then later in CA, where he flew his plane under the Golden Gate Bridge.
After WWII, Jody, Becky and daughter Suzanne moved back to Texas, where son Joel R. Barton III was born. Jody worked in farming and ranching until taking a job with the Texas A&M Extension Service teaching electrical welding. After Becky's death, Jody married Betty Jane Oberbacher of Bryan. Jody and Betty lived in Calvert and Hilltop Lakes before moving to Bryan. Married for 37 years, Jody and Betty were members of Hilltop Lakes Chapel and the Texas A&M Foundation.
Jody is survived by his wife, Betty Barton of Bryan; son, Joel Barton and wife Ann of Lumberton; and daughter, Suzanne Fisk of Broken Arrow, OK; step children, Kim Gray and husband Bill of Hearne and Mark Oberbacher of Denton; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-grea- grandchildren, all who loved their Papaw.
Jody was a builder, a builder of things and a builder of lives. He touched and nurtured many along the way, especially kids. Happy Home Going, Jody! In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10 am Monday, May 21, at Sneed Memorial United Methodist Church in Calvert, TX, services will follow at 10am with interment at Calvert City Cemetery.
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