Forbes Barton

Dr. Forbes Barton CHARLOTTE - Dr. Forbes Barton died August 16, 2013 after a long period of declining health. He was born November 13, 1935 to the late Forbes Marshall (Dutch) Barton Sr. and Louise Russell Barton in Memphis, TN., where he resided until leaving for Mayo Clinic. Forbes graduated from Central High School where he participated in the ROTC program. He had fond memories of leading the high school ROTC and wining the 1st place trophy for the best marching unit as well as being presented with an engraved saber for the most outstanding individual Cadet Lt. Colonel in ROTC. Dr. Barton graduated from Memphis State University with a B.S. in biology, his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, followed by another year at Baptist Memorial Hospital for an Internal Medicine Internship. His first year of Surgical Residency occurred at Kennedy V.A. Hospital. Upon completion, Dr. Barton left Memphis for a 4-year fellowship in General Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Then in 1970 he came to Charlotte, NC to begin his surgical practice that lasted nearly 20 years. Dr. Barton was on the medical staff and practiced at Mercy, Presbyterian and Charlotte Memorial (CMC) Hospitals. CMC is where he met his wife Phyllis Hopwood Barton. During his surgical practice he had a profound effect on a number of individuals who had complex problems. He took time to study their past medical history, listen to their complaints, and then had the knowledge and wisdom to correct the complications and at times the long term problems they endured. He also had compassion for those in need. After complications following his own back surgery, he had hoped to recover from the nerve damage he had sustained. But, Dr. Barton had to make the decision to close his active practice. Although health problems continued throughout the years, he adjusted well to being at home. Partly because he loved his wife and enjoyed being with the family. He even had the time to transport large appliance boxes home, so that the kids could use them to build play houses. He also had time to explore his many other interests. Forbes came to have a greater understanding regarding a busy household with children. He also enjoyed his faithful canine companion Tyler. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Phyllis Hopwood Barton, his children Wendy and Holly Barton, Leta Barton Stewart, Gwen Barton Bozeman (Tom), Rick Bash, Lisa Arrowood (Glenn) and Lori Maz (Matt), 7-grandchildren Emily, Bryan, and Marshall Bozeman, Melissa and Michael King, Christine and Camille Bash and 4-great grandchildren and a double first cousin Mary Louise Barton Pritchard from Memphis, TN. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 1PM at Church at Charlotte located at 2500 Carmel Rd. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or got@woundedwarriorproject.org. Friends will be received, location will be announced following the memorial service. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinafuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center.