Charles Julian Barton

BARTON, CHARLES JULIAN - long-time citizen of Oak Ridge and reactor chemistry pioneer, died January 31, 2009, at NHC HealthCare in Oak Ridge. He had recently celebrated his 97th birthday. Dr. Barton was born January 16, 1912, in Jellico, Tennessee, the youngest child of Vola Hodsden and Charles Lee Barton. Dr. Barton attended public school in Jellico until 1929 when he entered Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and developed an interest in chemistry. He received a BS in 1933 and an MS in 1934 from the University of Tennessee and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Virginia in 1939. Before moving to Oak Ridge in 1948, Dr. Barton worked as a chemist for TVA, testing the quality of the concrete that went into Norris Dam, Industrial Rayon in Cleveland, OH, and International Minerals in Bartow, FL. Transferring to ORNL in 1950, Dr. Barton was a pioneer in molten salt reactor research, developed techniques for the safe handling of plutonium and worked extensively in health physics before retiring in 1977. Dr. Barton was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Grant Barton; and son, Michael Lee Barton. He is survived by his wife, Anna Kate Teague; children, Charles Barton, Jr., of Dallas, TX, David and Ann Barton of Greenville, TX; daughter-in-law, Lorna Barton of Columbia, SC, Ben and Fran Teague of Athens, GA, and Tom and Stephanie Teague of Ann Arbor, MI; grandchildren, Julia Barton and Josh Sarantitis, Gregory Barton and Marci Welch, Matthew and Kate Barton, Blair Barton and Joseph Teague; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Avi Sarantitis and Ada Barton. Dr. Barton was an active member of Glenwood Baptist Church and First Baptist Church before becoming a founding member of Grace Covenant Church. He was involved in many community activities including Hope of East Tennessee, Contact Help Line and Prisoners' Aid Society of Tennessee. He also wrote extensively about his life experiences and travels in the Oak Ridger and in other local publications. A number of stories related to Dr. Barton's professional career and his scientific accomplishments can be found on the Internet blogs, "Nuclear Green" and "Energy from Thorium." A memorial service of thanksgiving will be held Friday afternoon, February 6, at 2:00pm at Grace Covenant Church, 100-C Adams Lane, led by the Revs. Larry and Carolyn Dipboye preceded by a graveside service at Oak Ridge Memorial Park at 1:00pm. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorials may be made to Grace Covenant Church or CONTACT Help Line. An on-line guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.