John J. Barton

John J. Barton Former Mayor John J. Barton, 97, passed away May 4, 2004, at his home. John was born in Indianapolis on June 23, 1906; the fifth of fourteen children born to Patrick and Nora Prendergast Barton, immigrants to Indianapolis in 1896 from County Kerry and Castelmaine Ireland, respectively. John graduated from Holy Angels elementary school in 1920, Cathedral High School in 1924, and Purdue University in 1930. At Purdue, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and was President of his Fraternity, Phi Kappa Theta. After graduation he worked in the research department of Indianapolis Power and Light before becoming a trainee at Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Manufacturer in Barberton, Ohio. A calling to public service brought him back to his home state. John was a member of the first graduating class of the Indiana State Police, and the only one with a college degree. In 1940, he married Louise Fitzgerald Barton of Dana, Indiana. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Naval Intelligence Officer during World War II, advancing to the level of Lt. Commander. After the war he resumed his career with the Indiana State Police, eventually retiring in 1957. He was subsequently appointed to the Marion County Liquor Board by then Mayor Charles Boswell. Governor Matthew E. Welch appointed him Superintendent of the Indiana State Police where he served until 1963. At the request of Governor Welch, John ran for and was elected Mayor of Indianapolis where he served from 1964 until 1968. He later was appointed to the Indiana State Parole Board and served for 21 years before retiring at the age of 83. In 1989, after 50 years of public service, John Barton was chosen by the readers of the Indianapolis Star as "Indianapolis Man of the Year." This award recognized his fairness, honesty, and integrity and as a champion for causes of justice, human rights, and responsibility. In 1990, John Barton was named Honorary Chairman of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee for its Silver Anniversary. This organization, formed during his mayoral administration, continues to serve as a model to cities across the country as a result its successful public and private partnerships. Includes in its accomplishments are: the inner-loop highway, the Public Housing Authority, Eagle Creek Park, and the Indianapolis Convention Center. In that same year, Governor Evan Bayh awarded John the Silver Anniversary Community Action Award. John was the recipient of seven Sagamore of the Wabash awards recognizing his distinguished service to the State of Indiana and was also commissioned into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels for the advancement of Kentucky. An avid sports fan, John enjoyed playing golf as a respite from his busy professional life and through his retirement years. He made 3 holes-in-one during his lifetime. John Barton was also affiliated with the Pioneers of the State Police, the Harvard FBI National Academy, the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the National Association of Police Chiefs. His survivors include a sister, Veronica Barton of Indianapolis; two daughters, Mary Ellen Boyd (husband Jack) of Indianapolis and Peggy Weaver (husband Joe) of Dallas; eight grandchildren, J.B.Boyd, M.D. (wife Kathleen, M.D.)of Indianapolis, Chris Boyd of Boulder, CO, Katie Boyd of Chicago, IL, Joe Weaver, Michael Weaver, Bart Stevens, and Michelle Stevens of Dallas, TX, Billy Weaver (wife Kathryn) of San Antonio; niece, Maureen (husband Jim) McCaughna of Indianapolis; nephew, Marty McCarty of Indianapolis and many wonderful friends and life long associates. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise Fitzgerald Barton, his son, John J. Barton Jr., his brothers Daniel, Tom, Rev. James, and Judge Pat Barton; his sisters Anna, Catherine, Mary, Josephine, Margaret, Frances, and Martha Barton, and Nora McCarty. Friends may greet the family on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. Additional visitation will be held on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral High School or the Society for the Propagation of Faith. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Feeney-Hornak Mortuaries.