Derek Barton

Derek Barton, 60, of Oatsville passed away surrounded by family December 21, 2023. He was born December 15, 1963 in Washington, Indiana to Marvin and Sue Ellen Barton. Derek was a 1982 graduate of Pike Central High School and received his education degree from Oakland City University, his master's degree from Indiana State University, and his history degree from University of Southern Indiana.
Derek is survived by his mother, Sue Ellen (Atkinson) Barton of Oatsville; his girlfriend of 33 years, Gloria Reinhart of Fort Branch; her son, James Reinhart (Christine) of Oakland City and their daughter on the way, Graylin; and step-grandmother, Bonnie Barton of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Barton; grandparents, Lestle and Ruth Atkinson, Howard Barton, and Mary Barton.
His love of music began as a small child singing with his mother in the car. Derek later founded a gospel band, The Peace Notes, with his mother and various talented musicians. They traveled to many churches and festivals to perform. He even played the Tin Man in a production of the Wizard of Oz in 1989 with the Mt. Carmel Community Theater.
Derek was a lifelong member of Mt. Tabor General Baptist Church in Hazleton. He served in many capacities including pianist, Sunday School teacher for decades, and grounds keeper for the church from the time he was 15. He was serving as the superintendent and the cemetery caretaker at the time of his passing.
He previously served on the county's Red Ribbon Committee, Gibson County Arts Council, Pride in Princeton, and Princeton Area Betterment Bureau. Derek was made an Honorary Thespian at Gibson Southern High School and was serving on the Oakland City University Alumni Board of Directors.
Derek held many offices with the Princeton Jaycees including two years as President and received an International Senatorship Award. On December 1, 2023, he was the Grand Marshall of the Princeton Christmas Parade.
He was a beloved and respected music and history teacher at Fort Branch Community School for over 35 years. Derek was most proud of starting an Old English Handbell Choir at the school, directing the middle school choir, taking his students to the Young People's Concert Programs of the Evansville Philharmonic, starting a history club, and making his history classes memorable with discussions about current topics to start each day. He was also a member of the Orchestra at Gibson Southern High School Theater Performances.
Derek was honored to coordinate the school's Veteran's Day Program, Spring Concert, and Christmas Concerts. He loved teaching, and his students would often return to express their gratitude for the impact he made on their lives. He also supported his students by attending their performances and events after they graduated from his school.
He took many of his students to compete in the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest and took students to Circle the State with Song for over 25 years.
Derek was an inspirational choir director at Broadway Christian Church for 24 years. He was also a member of Styll Country Band for over 30 years. Derek volunteered a week or more for over 20 years at the Indiana State Fair to play the piano at the Pioneer Village. He loved visiting with people and sharing his musical talent.
Derek directed the Purdue Extension Choir, currently known as the Melody Makers, for 30 years. They performed in Lafayette annually and at various churches and banquets in the area.
He loved going to concerts of all genres. He and Gloria traveled to concerts in the surrounding area and they had season tickets to the Evansville Philharmonic for 30 plus years.
Derek loved the Indianapolis Colts, IU, Notre Dame, St. Louis Cardinals, and he and Gloria attended 30 consecutive Indianapolis 500 races.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM (CST) Wednesday, December 27, 2023 in the Gymnasium at Fort Branch Community School located at 7670 S Eastview St, Fort Branch, IN 47648. Pastor Spencer Gaines will officiate and interment will follow at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Petersburg. Visiting hours will be held at the school from 2 until 8:00 PM (CST) Tuesday and from 9 until service time, 11:00 AM (CST) Wednesday.
For those who wish, memorial contributions can be given to the Evansville Philharmonic located at 20 NW 3rd St #500, Evansville, IN 47708, Mt. Tabor General Baptist Church Cemetery Fund located at 6500 N 650 E, Patoka, IN 47666, and Gibson County Animal Services, P.O. Box 474, Princeton, IN 47670. Online condolences can be given at ColvinFuneralHome.com where you can share a memory of Mr. Barton. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Derek and his family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cook and her staff, Dr. Sash with Heart-to-Heart hospice, and the entire Reinhart extended family and friends. Derek will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. In the words of his students, "MUSIC is not the same without you."
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