Mark Barton

Mark Q. Barton passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2024 at the age of 96. He is survived by his wife of more than 69 years, Lois J. Barton, children Linda S. Barton and Mark A. Barton, grandchildren John Meichle, Catherine Barton and Kyra Kolodziej, and great granddaughter Isabelle Meichle.

Mark Q. Barton attended Central Methodist College in Fayetteville, Missouri, and received his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1956. He spent most of his career working in accelerator physics at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he was hired on October 31, 1955, and retired on June 9, 1989. Following his time at BNL he worked in accelerator design at IBM Yorktown Heights for several years. In 1971, the American Physical Society awarded Barton an APS Fellowship for excellence in physics and exceptional service to the physics community.

Gifted in music as he was in the sciences, Mark Q. Barton was an accomplished flutist as well a skilled vocalist. He and his wife, Lois, performed with the Bay Area Fine Arts Association's orchestra as well as many other symphonic groups. They originally met in an orchestra, and they continued actively playing orchestral music life long. In addition, they sang with the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association, and in retirement he sang with St Cecilia's chorus in NY City. They were also active in various chamber ensembles and the Music Performer's Club of Long Island. Mark felt a great connection with music and all the musicians he shared playing with, it was a constant source of joy in his life.

He was a devoted sailor, and built the 33-foot sailboat "Chantey" from a bare hull, which was launched in 1968. The family enjoyed coastal cruising aboard Chantey for many years.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of his life at the Bellport United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFFA) or Central Methodist University, Fayette, MO.