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Richard BARTON Obituary
Richard L. Barton passed away peacefully on Aug. 21, 2021, at his home in Centre Hall, PA.
Born in Terre Haute, IN, on Feb. 22, 1941, he grew up in Dayton, Ohio, with his parents, sister, grandmother, and his
select group of friends, the
Dayton boys, who were an
influence on his life to the end. Dick explored Dayton as a kid on a bike that he purchased with earnings from his early morning paper route. He listened to late night radio (WLW) and awakened to the smell of his grandma's cinnamon rolls. He was a track man at Brown
Elementary and in Colonel White High School.
He received degrees from The Ohio State University and Ohio University studying literature. Dick married Ann in 1968 and together they moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he earned his PhD at the University of Oregon in communications.
He had a long and fruitful career at The Pennsylvania State University, culminating with an associate deanship in the
College of Communications.
Dick spent his summers in Maine, where he pursued environmental endeavors, his winters in his beloved old farm house in Centre Hall, PA, with his wife, pets, mandolins and guitars.
His wonderful eclectic collection of friends came from all over, and he was happiest when playing music with them or engaging them in incisive conversation. He would be delighted if they chose to give a gift of kindness to our "four-legged" creatures and/or to Mother Nature in his memory.
Dick Barton was a force to be reckoned with - admired, applauded, appreciated and loved. He will be missed unabashedly.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard BARTON
Sponsored by Koch Funeral Home - State College.
5 Entries
John Clowes
February 4, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Dr Barton's passing. He was my favorite professor during my time at Penn State, and over the years I have sometimes thought of him as I recall my college years. He was instrumental in my growth into adulthood by challenging me academically, and he also provided me with the highlight of my PSU career when he included me in the study abroad class at University of Manchester in 1981. I grew up a lot during those years and consider myself very lucky to have had Dr Barton as an advisor and advocate. Won't be forgotten here!
Krishna Jayakar
September 14, 2021
Dr. Barton was associate dean for research when I came to Penn State in 1999 as a freshly-minted assistant professor. I will always be thankful for his kindly mentorship, his generosity with time and advice, and his gentleness and wisdom. A good man -- we will all miss you, Dr. Barton.
Bob Richards
September 13, 2021
Ann, I´m so sorry for your loss. Dick was my professor as an undergraduate and then we ended up as co-associate deans in the College of Communications. I always considered him a mentor - his wisdom and counsel to me were so appreciated. His sense of humor was second to none. A truly wonderful person.
Bob
Michael Arthur
September 13, 2021
Ahhh, Dick, I remember fondly the musical evenings with you, Ann, Jeremy and I. It has been some time since we made some music together and I regret that we had not done so for awhile. Good intentions left hanging. Ann, my condolences to you and a fond farewell to Richard! May he rest in peace and in our memories...
Bob Trumpbour
September 13, 2021
Dick Barton was a wonderful mentor. His wisdom helped many PSU graduate students to achieve impressive things. I was fortunate to have worked with him for several years and learned much as a result. Condolences to Ann and all others in his family. He will be missed.
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