John Barton

John Garfield "Gary" Barton, 71, of Brevard, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Memorial Mission Hospital, St. Joseph's Campus in Asheville from complications of pneumonia and the flu.
He was the son of the late Charles Howard and Daisy Elizabeth Crawford Barton of Transylvania County. He is survived by his sons: John Earl Barton and wife Erin of Arlington, Texas; John T. Barton and Patrick L. Barton of Brevard. Surviving grandchildren are: Kelsey Kay Barton; Kayne Thomas Damron; Seth Thomas Damron; Corbin Austin Barton as well as twin great-grandsons: Hayden and Jagger Barton all of Texas. He is also survived by his sister, Gustina Barton Brown and husband Bob and brother, Donald H. Barton, both of Brevard.
Gary's surviving nephews are: Wayne Brown and wife Kim of Brevard; Matt Barton of Charlotte; Patrick C. Barton and wife April of Brevard. Nieces include: Renee Brown of Brevard; and Bethany Barton of Texas. In addition, he has three great- nephews: Bobby Brown; Matthew Barton; Will Barton and Owen Barton. He is also survived by two great-nieces: Madelyn Barton and Tori Brown.
Gary attended Rosman High School until 1962, when he joined the United States Air Force. He Served in Vietnam during his eight years of service and was a Titan II Missile Hydraulics and Intelligence Specialist, as well as Telewisp Unit of the Naval Intelligence- Censorship of Telephone and Written Communications.
Upon returning to the United States, he joined the Travis County Sheriff's Department in Austin, Texas. He was a Criminal Investigator in Homicide and Theft. He was instrumental in the murder investigations that became the subject of at least two novels: Evil Among Us (The Texas Mormon Missionary Murder) by Ken Briggs and WASTED (A Triangle of Obsession and Murder) by Suzy Spencer.
When Gary retired, he returned to his native Transylvania County. Using his natural curiosity, investigative training and love of history, Gary focused on his late mother Elizabeth's handwritten stories and genealogical studies of Appalachian families. He drew and expanded upon her research by connecting our families' history with Ancestory.com. He traced our roots as far back as the 1600's before falling ill and was unable to continue his quest.
Gary's graveside service, officiated by Rev. Randy Barton, was held on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Cathey's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. His remains were placed beside his beloved "Granny" (Theany Barton).
The family is deeply grateful for the care of Dr. Ruffin Benton and Dr. Ernesto de la Torre of Medical Associates of Transylvania; Dr. James Kelling, Dr. Shantae Lucas and staff of Brevard Cancer and Infusion Center; Dr. Baseman and staff of Radiation Therapy Associates of WNC; as well as Perfect Balance Physical Therapy staff.
In memory of John Garfield Barton, An account (listed as "Gustina Barton Brown") has been set up to assist with his medical and funeral expenses at the State Employees Credit Union. POB 2499 Brevard, NC 28712.
To leave a condolence for the Barton family, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .

Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Services are serving the family.