Joseph Louis Barton, affectionately called Joe, dad, pops, granddad, and Uncle Joe, departed this life suddenly on Friday, July 30th at Howard University Hospital.
He was born on February 8, 1937 in Orangeburg, SC to the late Marion and Elzona Jenkins Barton. He attended the Orangeburg Public School System where he graduated from Hill Branch School. He later worked in Charleston, SC, until he relocated to Washington, DC in 1957.
Later he married Annie Smith and from the union of this marriage, he had four beloved children; two sons and two daughters. He was a good provider.
At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He joined St. Paul Christian Community Church in 1957 under the leadership of Reverend Walter C. Cleveland.
He worked as a mechanical engineer with Heidi Bakery and Giant Food Inc. for 35 years, until his retirement in 1992, due to health reasons. He was a hard working and a dependable employee. He also worked as a cab driver with East Side Cab Company, driving his own personal cab, No. 48. He worked as a driver during the ’68 Riots in D.C., where he drove his family around as passengers, to see the sights firsthand during the curfews.
He enjoyed reading his Bible and attending church services when he could. He particularly enjoyed creating unique items from stainless steel and other materials. He was an avid craftsman. Further, he loved gardening, walking, listening to old school music, and foremost, dressing refinely. He was impeccable neat and polished. Rarely would you see him without a hat. He was organized, meticulous and direct, and he loved to talk. He was a loving, kind and caring person that was equally humble. He gave many people a helping hand.
His favorite motto was, “if you’re going to do something, do it right or don’t do it at all.”
His legacy will live on through those he cherished: One son, Joseph Barton (Sherrie) of Ashburn, VA, and two daughters, Linda Walker (Benjamin) of Springdale, MD and Keshia Barton of Washington, DC; four grandchildren: Armani, Benjamin, Domonique and Kristin Terry; four great grandchildren: three sisters, Elouise Neal (DC), Helen Byrd (St. George, SC) Neather Anderson (Long Island, NY), three brothers; Will Barton (SC), Ulysee Barton (DC), John Barton (Florine) of (Fort Washington, MD) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.