Jerald A. Barton

Jerald A. Barton
Edwardsville, IL - Jerald "Jerry" A. Barton, age 89, of Edwardsville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.
Jerry was born November 10, 1935, in Edwardsville, the son of the late Harold "Buzz" and Viola (Ohm) Barton. He married Patricia "Pat" Graham on November 30, 1957, in Edwardsville. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Greg (Joann) Barton of Edwardsville, Douglas Barton of Edwardsville, Kristin Barton of Glen Carbon, and Kara Sanders of Glen Carbon; five grandchildren, Ashley Barton of Chicago, Melissa Barton of St. Peters, MO, Matthew Barton of Madison, WI, Paige Sanders of Glen Carbon, and Karli Barton of Edwardsville; a brother, Tom Barton of Mesa, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnn Harris.
After graduating from Edwardsville High School in 1954, Jerry attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, where he met the love of his life, Pat. Always one to push the envelope, Jerry was quite the troublemaker during his college days. On more than a few occasions, he found himself "campus'd"-meaning confined to his room for various antics. To pass the time, he wrote to Pat every single day, once even penning an entire letter backwards just for fun. In that same wily spirit, he loved to joke that he was a founding member of the "Tappa Kegga Day" fraternity-a nod to the time he and his friends learned to brew beer in the science lab.
After college, Jerry spent his early years working in the family construction business, where he learned the value of hard work and never doing a job halfway. In 1974, he took over as manager of Champlin/"The Store". For over three decades, Jerry was a trusted and familiar face to generations of locals-he was a friend, mentor, and often the first boss for many of his children's friends.
A true sports enthusiast, Jerry had a lifelong passion for the games he loved and the people who played them. He never missed an opportunity to watch his children or grandchildren compete-whether it was a game, a meet, or a match, he was always in the stands, proudly cheering them on. He was the family's biggest supporter, often encouraging them with his catchphrase: "Bring home the hardware." His support extended beyond the sidelines, too. Jerry was a former member of the Edwardsville High School Booster Club and played an active role in the fundraising efforts for the school's first concession stand at the District Seven Sports Complex.
That same loyalty carried over to his favorite professional teams as well. A devoted fan of the Arizona Cardinals (formerly the St. Louis Cardinals) Jerry stuck with his "Big Red" through every high and low. He even played a key role in establishing the Edwardsville chapter of the Quarterback Club, helping bring St. Louis Cardinals players to town to speak with local student-athletes. Jerry's love for sports extended to hockey too-he followed the St. Louis Blues from their very first season and was elated when they finally brought home the Stanley Cup in 2019. He would have loved watching the Blues make another playoff run this year.
Outside of sports, Jerry found joy in the little things: traveling with Pat, listening to his favorite '50s and '60s hits, along with a little Bob Marley, and unwinding with his signature drink-an ice-cold CC&7. But more than anything, he cherished time spent with family. Whether he was telling stories, sharing laughs, or simply sitting in good company, he was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.
Jerry will be remembered for his quick wit, calm resolve, and proud spirit. His legacy is one of love and a life well-lived. To his family, he'll always be "Papa"-his favorite title, and a role he embraced with his whole heart.
Per Jerry's wishes, no formal service will be held. The family will instead host a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glen-Ed Pantry.
Friends may leave condolences online at www.KalmerMemorialServices.com. Kalmer Memorial Services in Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.