Kenneth Barton

Kenneth "Sparky" Russell Barton, 80, lifelong resident of Chattanooga, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2013.Born Dec. 25, 1932, to George Russell and Hazel Larrison Barton.He attended Bess T. Shepherd Elementary and McCallie School. He graduated from Central High School and Tennessee Tech where he was a member of Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity and earned a degree in education. He entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd lieutenant in 1954. He served in the Signal Corps at Fort Bragg in Fayetville, N.C., while there he met his future bride Louise Keith. They were married in 1957. He began his teaching career at Chattanooga High School and remained there until 1986 when he retired.While teaching there he won several awards as outstanding teacher of the year.Kenneth loved to travel and was an avid boater and golfer. He and his best friend, blind golfer, Jim Daniel won the National Blind Golf Championship in 1972.He and his family were charter members of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and remained a member there the rest of his life.He was preceded in death by his parents George and Hazel Barton; and infant son, George Russel Barton.He is survived by wife, Louise Keith Barton; daughter, Elizabeth Barton (Thomas) Mills; three grandchildren, Wesley, Alex and Laura Mills.Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Curt McKee officiating. Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Chattanooga National Cemetery.Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial be made to Helping Hands Fund c/o Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 6314 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the church.Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.