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Ross Barton Obituary
Despite contracting polio at the age of 13 and losing the use of his legs, Ross demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
In 1974, Ross embarked on a distinguished career with the Central Intelligence Agency, residing in Vienna, Virginia, for over 24 years. Upon retiring in 1998, he returned to Topeka, Kansas, where he continued to make a positive impact on his community through his generosity and commitment to various causes.
Ross was predeceased by his loving wife, Martha "Marie" (Housh), and is survived by his children, Melissa (Comi), Aimee Barton, and William Barton. He was a proud grandfather to Alex Wolfe, Madi Wolfe, Abigail Comi, Zachary Comi, Avery Barton, Lucas Barton, Ben Wolfe, Marena Raines and Lilly Raines. Ross cherished spending time with his grandchildren, indulging in his passions for coin collecting, political discussions, and reading.
His legacy of hard work and kindness lives on in his family and all who knew him. In accordance with Ross's wishes, memorial services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ross's memory by donating to your favorite humanitarian organization. Ross will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all.
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4 Entries
Avery Barton
December 9, 2024
My poppop, he was a very generous and kind man. I feel honored to have been able to help care for both him and grandma in their last days/months. I enjoyed the funny faces he made at me and our talks about aliens. I´ll remember the way he would rub my hand when we held hands even though his hands were so cold. I´m grateful that we were able to spend a last birthday together in person. He always pushed me to be the best version of myself and reminded me why I mattered to him. I´ll miss him deeply. He was an amazing grandfather and will always be so loved.
Avery Barton
December 9, 2024
My Poppop, I am honored to have helped take care of you and grandma in your last months/days. I will always remember the funny faces he made at me and our talks about aliens. I loved making him smile and joking around with him. He was always sweet and loving. He was an extremely generous man and helped everyone around him. I am grateful to have had our last birthday together in person. I´ll always remember his smile and the way he rubbed my hand when we held hands even though his hands were always so cold. He pushed me to be the best version of myself and reminded me to take pride in myself. He was the best grandfather! I love you poppop!
Tony Housh
November 28, 2024
Ross was a good and kind man. He was committed to family, to service, to country, and community. He was a loving and caring husband to my mother Marie to end of her life. They had many great years together. To our boys he was "Grandpa Ross", to my wife and I loving friend and member of the family - we enjoyed many travels and far reaching conversations with Marie and Ross over the years. Ross loved his kids and grandkids and always spoke of them with such great warmth. He will be missed always.
Della Nelson
November 26, 2024
I had the privilege of being Ross's caretaker after moving to VA. I was with Ross for a short time, during my time with him. He had an infectious personality one that was kind and sweet. I never heard him complain about anything. He enjoyed the lengthy back rubs I have him. He was always appreciated the small things that I did for him. I did have the opportunity to go and spend time with him after moving to Charlottesville. I encouraged him to think on the day that he would be reunited with his loving wife. I do blessed to have been a part of his life. Condolences to his family.Avery make your granddad proud of you by being the best nurse you can be.
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