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Harry Barton Obituary

Born at Westover Plantation in West Baton Rouge Parish on February 4, 1920, he died at his home in Baton Rouge on Sunday, April 27, 2014. He was graduated from Port Allen High School, and went on to attend Louisiana State University. He served his country during WWII in the United States Navy, spending 18 months in the Pacific Theater. Upon returning from military service, he married his wife of the next 67 years, Billie Burden. Also, upon his return, he continued his studies at LSU, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, ultimately receiving his law degree. He was an avid tennis player and was a founding member of the Bocage Racquet Club. In October, 2013, the Bocage Racquet Club renamed its ongoing "Senior Invitational" tournament "The Harry V. Barton Bocage Clay Court Invitational" in his honor. He was elected to the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994. Harry was a lawyer, insurance agent, and business broker by trade, and was a recovering alcoholic who enjoyed 38 years of sobriety. Harry also served the Baton Rouge community as chairman of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for East Baton Rouge Parish. Of all his lifetime achievements, his last will go down in history because he is now known as the man who "Saved A Life A Day" for twenty years. He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge for 82 years. He is survived by his children: Dana Barton, Sara Barton Morris and husband Harry, and Harry V. Barton, Jr. and wife Estelle. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Katherine Brooks, William Barton Platte, Michael Eugene Platte and wife Anne and their child A.J., Harry Marcel Barton, and Hab Matthew Barton and wife Stacy. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Billie Burden Barton; his parents, Percy B. Barton and Grace Walton Barton; his sister, Edith Barton Mathies; and his brother, John W. Barton, Sr. Visitation will be on Friday, May 2, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church from 10AM until Memorial Service at 12pm. Burial will be private at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to either Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or to First Presbyterian Church, 763 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 28 to May 1, 2014.
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Harry, 7 years this past November. Just like the first time I couldn't have done it without you this time. You once said to me "till the end, my friend". You were the best Harry! Sincerely, Mark

Mark

Student

December 17, 2020

Thinking of you Harry. My wife and children and everyone I am able to serve is a direct result of you being there for me when no one else was, when I was 17 and only 1 year sober. Your office was the first place I would go when I had a crisis, which was about every week. I knew I could always go talk to you, and you would never judge me or have harsh words for me. You would always encourage me and tell me I was a good man. This month I celebrated 37 years of sobriety as a direct result of your kindness all those years ago.

Crockett (Willie) Walker

Friend

April 22, 2019

Mark it's awesome to hear from you and I know Harry is up there smiling at us right now. Please pm me on Facebook or call/text me at 832-541-7251 would love to talk to you.

Crockett Walker

April 22, 2015

Harry Barton saved my life. I was 17 when I met Harry, sick with alcoholism and abandoned by my family. Harry was my sponsor and friend and never let me give up. I would come see him often at the council, and his kind words and encouragement gave me the strength I needed to endure crippling depression and many challenges. I am now 49, sober 33 years with twin 3 year old boys, a happy marriage and successful career. None of this would have happened if not for Harry V Barton, a truly great man. I miss you Harry and will never forget.

Crockett Walker

November 12, 2014

My heartfelt condolences to the Barton family. It has been several years since I last talked to Harry, by I remember our conversations very well, he was a good man.

Roger Peak

May 3, 2014

AA and the world has lost a kind, considerate, gentleman. The people he touched are many who can carry on the principles he modeled for so many of us. I always appreciated his wisdom and acceptance as if I were his brother or son. I've missed stopping by his office since I moved away from Baton Rouge, but his compassion has been embedded in me as if by osmosis. God bless you, Harry Barton, and thank you.

Fred Klug

May 3, 2014

Thanks Harry for accepting me openly and lovingly at the lowest point in my life. He lived the Life of Christ through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Terry Compton

May 2, 2014

I am one of those lives he saved. Glad to have spent 24 years sharing with him

John Gutierrez

May 1, 2014

My sympathies and condolences to the entire Barton Family.

Ted Nusenow

May 1, 2014

Prayers to all of the family. Harry was and has been an inspiration in my life for the last 35 yrs. He will be missed.

Martin Darden

April 30, 2014

Amazing man who helped so many and was an inspiration to so many of us.

Elaine Carroll

April 30, 2014

Dana & Sara: my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Diane Berthelot

Diane

April 30, 2014

May the depth of your faith and the love of those who share your loss comfort you at this time of grief for the Barton family. (Matthew 5:4)

~Ms. D.Esco

April 30, 2014

A man of character, substance, and with one of the biggest hearts I know. I am saddened that Mr. Harry Barton is no longer alive on this earth. Love and prayers to all of his family.

Nancy Peevey

April 30, 2014

connie cousins

April 29, 2014

Sara and Dana - So sorry to see of your dad's death. Another wonderful character moving on. I know you miss him dearly. I do too. Sorry I will miss the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Meepsie.

Meepsie Dougherty

April 29, 2014

To the Barton family, please accept my condolences. May the God of all comfort be with you.

April 29, 2014

There are those people who come into your life, in God's time, with a message which cannot be ignored. Harry my friend, you were one of those messengers for me. I am blessed to have had you in my life. Thank you for giving your gift so freely to me and countless others.

April 29, 2014

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