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BORN
1963
DIED
2021
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Michael Barta Obituary
March 27, 1963 - March 31, 2021
Michael Joseph Barta, 58, died unexpectedly at his home in Franklin, North Carolina, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. He was born on March 27, 1963, in Morgantown, West Virginia. He was a 1981 graduate of Radford High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He was a 1985 graduate of Princeton University where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and a 1988 graduate of Harvard Law School where he graduated cum laude.
He clerked for The Honorable Jerome Farris of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He began his legal career at Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin, a renowned litigation boutique firm in Washington DC and was the youngest attorney ever to be elected as a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. During his career, he served as Chair of the White Collar Crime and Corporate Investigations Groups at Baker Botts LLP before moving his practice to Dechert LLP. He served as lead counsel in high profile litigation involving an array of clients, including the Estate of Richard Nixon, the Republic of Venezuela, Samsung Electronics, NASCAR, Tomas Berdych, and Halliburton. He also taught trial advocacy at the Georgetown University Law Center.
Perhaps his proudest professional accomplishment was one of the first cases on which he worked out of law school; he represented an Oklahoma man on death row for the Geronimo Bank murders and won a new trial and overturned death sentence for his client. He combined his brilliance with an unparalleled work ethic for over 30 years.
Michael was witty, generous, tenacious, determined, and a great storyteller. He was an avid basketball fan, played in a lawyers' league in D.C., and loved rooting for Duke Basketball. He also loved the Shenandoah Valley and spent happy times as a young man with friends and family at his farm in Edinburg, Virginia. He was a proud father and recently retired to the mountains of North Carolina to spend more time with his teenage children, Jack and Katie, whom he adored.
He is survived by his children, John Joseph Barta (Jack) and Katherine Elizabeth Barta (Katie), both of Franklin, North Carolina; his parents, Dr. Joseph A. and Sue Blair Barta of Radford, Virginia; his siblings, Mark Barta (Amy) of Galena, Ohio, Amy Wall (Jimmy) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Laura Barta of Arlington, Virginia; 13 nieces and nephews, and a great-niece and great-nephew.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Interment will follow in the West View Cemetery in Radford.
The Barta family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.
MULLINS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Radford, Virginia
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Barta
Sponsored by Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford.
Susan Lockwood
April 11, 2021
Bob and I send love and hugs to all of the Barta family. We just returned from a trip so missed the service. Any's letter in the local paper was beautiful.
Danette Jett
April 8, 2021
I was saddened today to hear about Micheal’s passing. Michael and I were neighbors growing up and friends in high school. I cherish the childhood memories. My fondest memories are the neighborhood football games. We both loved playing football. We were the quarterbacks so he was my rivalry. About 2 years ago he sent me a personal message on fb. He was so sweet as we played catch up, shared our lives, successes and he took an interest in my genetic disease. He was a humble, good hearted and caring person.
My heart, prayers and deepest condolences go out to Joe, Sue, his children, Mark, Amy, Laura and the rest of the family. May God comfort you all and give you peace.
Jennifer Holland
April 6, 2021
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you during this difficult time. I was his current housekeeper. I enjoyed going to his beautiful property and getting to know Mike; the short time that I knew him. He was definitely Brilliant and he Loved his children. He was a man with a true heart! So glad he spent his last Birthday with the ones he loved the most. Truly sad and he will be missed. Many Blessings!
Alexandre de Gramont
April 5, 2021
Michael was brilliant and talented and at the same time humble, self-effacing, funny, and down-to-earth. He was an extraordinary man and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.
Mildred Stafford
April 4, 2021
My prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. God bless you.
Shirley Armentrout
April 4, 2021
Prayers of strength for each of you when life hits you so hard
Jo Alderman
April 4, 2021
Sincere sympathy to the entire Barta family; may the many memories offer some comfort in this sad time.
Betty Branch
April 4, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wanda Humphrey
April 4, 2021
Joe and Sue, my heart breaks for you and all of your family. My deepest sympathy.
Vada Marunich
April 3, 2021
Your accomplishments are no surprise you were always so brilliant yet so nice it was an honor to go to high school with you iam sadddened by your passing .
Celene Berry
April 3, 2021
I am deeply saddened about Mike's passing. I worked with him for several years at his first law firm. He was hilarious, witty, and very energetic. He also had a great work ethic and was highly regarded by his peers. My condolences to his entire family, but especially to his children, who had him for such a brief time. My prayers to all the Bartas that you find peace and acceptance.
Mark Moran
April 3, 2021
Mike, had not seen you since graduating from RHS back in '81. Did not know about your amazing career. I pray for the repose of your soul, and for your family and loved ones. May God bless them.
Donald Chambers
April 3, 2021
Growing up with Michael, we always knew he was someone special. Of course he was highly intelligent, way above all of us. He always was cordial and good hearted above all he was my friend. He will be missed.
Michael Levy
April 3, 2021
From the time we were in law school together, Mike was always full of energy, excitement, and good humor. It was always such a pleasure to catch up with him when we could. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Stacy Southard
April 3, 2021
My heart broke when I heard the news of Mike's passing. I was his secretary at Baker Botts. He was one of my favorite bosses at the firm. He had the biggest heart and was always there for me. My thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Katie and the entire Barta family. God bless..
Amanda Gill
April 3, 2021
Thank you Mr. Barta for letting my children fish on your beautiful property! They will forever cherish these memories!! My father speaks very highly of you and he will hold tight to the friendship you gave him. There's only a few times I have seen my father cry and hearing the news about your death is one of them. This tells me he not only respected your stance in life, but respected who you are as a person! This is huge for him, as it is hard for him to befriend someone and connect to. Thank you for that! You will be missed!
Ray Gill
April 3, 2021
I met Mike Barta through our working relationship with Beale Construction. Mike and I hit it off from the beginning. We talked alot about his life and my life. He dearly loved his children. We became very close friends over the past year. He is a very intelligent man, yet very down to earth. His claim to me was that he liked me because I too am down to earth. We both connected to the point we were able to share things with one another about life. It has been a while since I have met someone that I could do that with. I will never forget that Mike shared with me his love and collection of knives. He told me he has given away two knives from his collection in his life, one to his son Jack, and one to me. This is something I will forever cherish. Mike allowed my family and grandchildren to come and fish on his land, just like we were a part of his family. My grandchildren speak highly of these memories and I am forever thankful he shared this with us. We will miss sharing this with Mike. Mike had many plans for his dream land in the mountains of Franklin, NC that he reached out to me to help advise him on such as gardening, landscaping, fishing, and minor construction work. I will miss him as my friend greatly. My condolences are going out to the family, most especially to Jack and Katie. Mike, thank you for your friendship. You will be missed!
Brad Bennett
April 3, 2021
Goodbye to a loyal friend and outstanding champion of justice. Mike taught me how to try a case and, more importantly, what a privilege it is to be a lawyer. Rest In Peace dear prince.
Jonathan Pickworth
April 3, 2021
Mike was a dear friend and a leading light in his field. We worked together on interesting and challenging cases and he was always so inciteful, good to work with, encouraging, and full of good humour. I will miss him, but will treasure many happy memories. My condolences to Mike’s family and in particular to Jack and Katie.
Phil Sechler
April 3, 2021
Mike was a wonderfully generous guy who helped me tremendously as I returned to private practice and began looking for clients--taking me to lunch, introducing me to his own network of contacts, and encouraging me greatly. He was a very accomplished lawyer and was especially proud of his children. May the sadness of Mike's passing be tempered by many happy memories and the great legacy he leaves behind. RIP brother Mike. I will miss our times together but look forward to seeing you again.
Kathy Boyers
April 3, 2021
Fly high my friend!Always had a big smile on his face and something silly to say.Sorry for your loss Barta family!!!
Cheryl Taylor
April 3, 2021
That beautiful smile and brightest brown eyes and delightful goodness and sweetness..... Mike was a treasure to know and love. My prayers for the Barta family ....I am so sorry......Cheryl Taylor
Randy Griffitts
April 2, 2021
I remember Michael when I was just a teenager. He was an awesome person. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
Shirley Gearheart
April 2, 2021
My heart aches for the entire Barta clan. I have such fond memories of Mark, Amy and Laura...and Michael. He was a bright and delightful ray of sunshine and I am honored to have known him and to have taught him. God's blessings to all who knew him and treasure sweet memories.
Shirley Gearheart
Bette Wright
April 2, 2021
Embracing your family in thought and prayer.
Carol and Bob Asbury
April 2, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie Hannifan-Turner
April 2, 2021
So sorry!
Rebecca Ritter
April 2, 2021
I am so sadden to hear of Mike's passing. I was in Mike's class in high school. Sending my condolences to the entire Barta family.
Bruce Bentley
April 2, 2021
Prayers for the entire Barta family. May you find peace and rest in these difficult time.
Tony/Nancy Miano
April 2, 2021
We will always cherish memories of our children growing up with Michael. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with the Barta family, May God Bless You All.
Anthony Miano
April 2, 2021
Godspeed my friend. Prayers for the Barta family.
Tom Starnes
April 2, 2021
So sorry to hear of his passing, our son Craig graduated from high school and often said while they were in high school that he was by far the most intelligent kid in school
Nancy (Worrell) Hunter
April 2, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Please know that I am praying for your peace and comfort during such a difficult time. Much love to the entire family.
Gina Preston
April 2, 2021
I am so very sorry to hear about Michael. Please know that my prayers and thoughts will be with the whole family. God bless you all!!!
Woody Gaskins
April 2, 2021
Very sorry for the Barta familly.
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Interment
West View Cemetery
Radford, VA
Funeral services provided by:
Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford120 West Main St., Radford, VA 24141
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