Dr. John J. Barton, age 86, passed away peacefully Monday, January 6, 2019 at his home in Rockford. Dr. Barton was born on March 19, 1933, in Pekin, IL. He was the son of David and Helen (Fox) Barton. He attended St. Thomas High School in Rockford (Class of '50), served in the US Marine Corps ('50-'55), earned a BA in history at the University of Illinois - Champaign Urbana ('57) and an MD at the University of Illinois Chicago ('61). He worked as an intern and resident at Cook County Hospital. He chaired the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center for over 30 years, retiring in 2001. His volunteer efforts included stints at the Claremore and Fort Defiance Indian Hospitals and work with the Red Cross/Red Crescent in Beirut and Egypt. Over the years he served on numerous advisory panels. When he wasn't working he enjoyed his animals, his books and his close friends. Dr. Barton is survived by his daughters Kathy (Matt) and Karen (Phil), grandchildren Alex (Caitlin), Sara (Justin), Annie (David), John (Kelsey), Olivia (Max) and Tommy, his close friends Tobein and Laurie and his beloved dogs Scrappy and Takeya. The family is grateful to Heartland Hospice staff and his caregivers Niki and Leimute for the excellent care they provided in his last months. Donations may be made in memory of Dr. Barton to Diabetes Youth Families (www.dyf.org), Epilepsy Foundation (www.epilepsy.com) or to The Hope After Loss Clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A Memorial Service will be held at The Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL at 10 AM on Monday, Jan 13, 2019. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Barton

14 Entries

Mary Ellen Quinn

January 3, 2024

Gone, but never forgotten! Serendipitously I met a colleague of my dear Dr. Barton at my Church, that was a blessing!

Angela Plummer

November 28, 2022

Sitting here remembering the fun times we shared together in Chicago. Just happen to google you and saddened that you passed away. Jack was the only true gentleman I have ever met. Rest in Peace Jack. Angie.

Mary Ellen Quinn

January 2, 2022

I lost one of my daughters that he delivered a couple of weeks after he passed away...I´m sure he was there to welcome her into Heaven!

Maria Munoz

January 17, 2020

Deepest sympathy

mel gerbie md

January 15, 2020

We were long time friends and associates, going back to residency days and continuing as friends in Chicago and in our memberships and fellowships in the CAOG, CTC, and Chicago Gyne Societies. My wife Patti and I miss him already, Mel Gerbie MD

Barbara Hufnus

January 13, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the family and close friends of Dr. Barton.

Diane Charleston

January 13, 2020

I knew doc through my sister, Barb Peterson. He was a very generous person and a true character that will be missed.

January 13, 2020

A true friend who we will always hold close in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

Jim, Barb and Natasha Peterson

Elliot Levine

January 12, 2020

Though Dr. John Barton's obituary mentioned many of his accomplishments, there are other significant contributions of his that should be mentioned as well. He established the first Alternative Birthing Center in the Midwest. He also established a strong Certified Nurse-Midwifery program. This all served to blend modern obstetrics with Nurse-Midwifery, driving Labor and Delivery to patient-centered care. Additionally, he recognized the value of Medical Informatics long before others did, for the clinical value it shows today.

Dr. Barton will be remembered by those physicians he trained, for establishing the recognized department it is today. His forward thinking will be appreciated and remembered by many of us who worked under him, as I know I will.

Elliot Levine

D Michael Barton JR DVM

January 11, 2020

Brother John has now joined Brother David in that big delivery room in the sky. Both were such consummate excellent OB/GYNs. It is only fitting, having handed off so many babies to their pediatricians, that, now they can hand off, with their spiritual guidance, those little ones to their grand neice and grandaughter, Katie, currently at the U of I in Peoria completing her internship and residency in Pediatrics. Dont worry Uncle Jack, on shall live the legacy of medicine in the Barton family!

Deon Wagner

January 10, 2020

Deepest condolences to the Barton Family! He was one of the best neighbors we could ever wish for. We will miss him tremendously. Lifting the entire family up in prayer.

Deon and Joe Wagner

Tiffany Barone

January 9, 2020

Dr.Barton was a brilliant, kind, loving person. We were lucky to call him our friend. Sending our deepest condolences to the Barton family.

Mary Ellen Quinn

January 9, 2020

My dearest Dr. Barton, delivered all six of my daughters at Illinois Masonic Medical Center! I admired his Humanitarian efforts which he humbly spoke of during our frequent visits! My sincere condolences to his daughters and their families! I will always have the highest esteem for this gentle doctor.

January 9, 2020

Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.

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