Tommy Joe Barton

Tommy Joe Barton was born on December 20, 1943 in Sandwich, Illinois to Raymond and Avanelle Barton. He passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

His mother called him her Christmas child. His dad, Raymond, was a sought after ranch manager who moved the family several times building herds of Black Angus cattle for ranches in Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

In 1956, the family moved to Edmond, Oklahoma where Raymond managed the Kerr McGee Ranch. Tommy was a real cowboy helping his dad, working on a neighbor's ranch and showing a Grand Champion Steer at the Tulsa State Fair.

Tommy graduated from Edmond High School where he made many lifelong friends. During his high school years, he joined the National Guard with his friend, Terry Osborne. After serving for four years, he attended Central State College.

Tommy was a hardworking man starting with his paper route in Waldron, Arkansas at a very young age. He worked on the ranches, worked as a roofer during college and started on the ground floor in the computer industry. He worked at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for thirty-five years in the IT Department.

Tommy had many interests. He loved motorcycles, cars, and music. As a teenager, he played drums in a band called the Hijacks playing Top 40's songs. They traveled around Oklahoma with two WKY disc jockeys, Don Williams, and Dale Wehba playing at armories, teen hops, and fraternity parties. The eighties brought country music. Tommy played drums and sang in a country and western band called The Swingmasters managed by Warren Adair and greatly influenced by Bob Woods. Finally in the late nineties, he got back to his favorite old rock n roll and soul music. He formed a band with Nic Payne and Don Johnson. They called themselves Solid Chrome and the Blue Dots. They had a great guitar player, Lester Raynor and played all the oldies.

Cars and motorcycles were a passion. Tommy had several motorcycles even riding his Yamaha 1500 to the top of Pikes Peak but his dream was to find a 1959 Chevy. After several years of looking, his friend, Chuck Stepp, found an ad for a 1959 Impala. They took off that morning and came back with it grinning from ear to ear. Tommy spent many hours restoring his car to perfect condition. He proudly entered it in car shows in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas, winning many trophies and plaques.

Tommy's greatest love was his family. He coached his sons' sports teams to championship status. He attended every game the grandchildren played and even spent time playing volleyball, running races, and flying kites. Tommy was kind, generous, and very loved.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas, his parents, Diane's parents, and a brother-in-law, David.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane and his children, Philip, John Tyler (Laura), Angela, and John Barton. He leaves behind his precious grandchildren, Jordan, Evan, Lauren, River, Ryann, Nash, Maizy, Rose, Presley, Grace, Paige, Jack, John Thomas, Gibson, and one great-grandson, John Kyle and their mothers. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Terry and wife, Susan; sister, Marilyn and husband, Dennis; brother-in-law, Paul Westbrook and wife, Lynn; special daughter, Vielza; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October, 2, 2025 at the First United Presbyterian Church located at 102 East Noble Avenue in Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.

Tommy was very lovingly cared for by Companion Hospice with a special thanks to Angela, Leslie, Jana, Brian, Neveah, and Misti.

In lieu of flowers if you so choose, memorial donations may be made in Tommy's name to Companion Hospice in Guthrie, Logan County Aging Mobile Meals, or to the First United Presbyterian Church of Guthrie.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.