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Receiving his high school diploma early, John enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II. Following discharge, he enrolled at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1950 with an animal husbandry degree. He married Gayle (Smith) Barton in Stillwater, OK on Nov. 23, 1950.
After employment as a county extension agent, John followed his two brothers, Bill and Raymond, into the cattle industry. He worked as a fieldman for Kansas Angus
Association, and for publications including Breeder's Gazette and Western Livestock Journal. John retired in 1992 after a 25-year career with American Angus Association, traveling Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas and Missouri. He received much recognition and many honors and awards throughout his career, including induction into American Angus Heritage Foundation in 2007. He was known in the cattle industry as a "man of integrity."
John and Gay lived in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Florida and Arizona, sometimes moving due to John's work, but often from a love of replicating historic architecture. In his free time, John supported his wife's passions by becoming a real estate broker and assisting with many antique shows.
Survivors include John's wife of 74 years, Gay, Columbia, MO; daughter Bonna Barton Wanek (Mike), Grand Island, NE; daughter Wendy Barton Welte (David), Paradise Valley, AZ; son John Breck Barton (Monica), Columbia, MO; sister-in-law Gloria Smith, Mocksville, NC; six grandchildren: Mischa Wanek-Libman (Ron), Mary Beth French (Sean), Meg Svehla (Nick), Sara Bruno (Nick), Will Welte, Ryan Welte; and 5 great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his grandson, Gage Barton; parents; 8 sisters; and 3 brothers.
The family extends its thanks to the remarkable caregivers at Tiger Place, St. Croix Hospice, and especially to Gladys at Home Instead.
Visitation starting at 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm on Thursday June 12, 2025, with Little Bonne Femme Baptist Church, 5350 E. Bonne Femme Church Road, Columbia, Missouri. Burial to follow.
The family welcomes contributions in John's memory to Little Bonne Femme Baptist Church, Columbia, MO (LBFBC.org); or Angus Foundation, St. Joseph, MO (Angus.org/Foundation).
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com
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