Robert Barton

Robert Wilson Barton CHESAPEAKE - Robert Wilson Barton, 85, passed away June 5, 2010. He was born Oct. 9, 1924 in Omaha, Neb., to Robert Clyde Barton and Edna Grace Wilson Barton. Mr. Barton joined Virginia Chemical in 1949 after graduating from University of Virginia with a degree in chemical engineering. His distinguished career of about four decades began in the research department where he became internationally known for his research in paper bleaching, holding several important patents in that area. He retired in 1985 as Director of Technical Services. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 having served on the USS Gerardi DD-637/DMS-30 in the South Pacific. He was past superintendent of Sunday schools and past chairman of the Board at Centenary United Methodist Church. He was a member of Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club for more than 50 years and was an avid golfer. He was also a member of the Churchland Masonic Lodge No. 276 AF & AM. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hettie Hall Barton; his daughters, Bonnie Barton Thevenin of Orange Park, Fla., and Elizabeth "Boo" Barton Wilson and husband Joe of Savannah, Ga.; his sons, Robert H. Barton and wife Donna of Virginia Beach and C. Kearney Barton of Orange Park, Fla.; and granddaughters, Tara Barton Gardner and husband Dennis and their daughter Darcy and Kelly Barton Moore and husband Geno and their daughters Cynthia and Sarah of Virginia Beach. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church with the Rev. George Neas officiating. Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, is handling the arrangements. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 3312 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703. Condolences may be offered to the family at snellingsfuneralhome.com.