Harland D. “Sonny” Barton passed away at home in Arnold on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the age of 80 years. He was born February 16, 1944 in Banner, MO to the late Richard “Dick” and Novie (Lewis) Barton.
Sonny will be greatly missed by his loving wife Sharon (Reed) of 57 years, admired by his sons Tim (Janet) Barton of Imperial and Brad (Lora Johnson) of O’Fallon, MO. He was an adored “Papa” by his grandchildren, Kyle Barton of Fort Collins, CO., Travis Barton of O’Fallon, Dustin (Bailey) Barton of Hazelwood, Nicole (Fiance’, Bryce Tognozzi) Barton of St. Louis, Trevor (Fiance’ Amy Fabac) Johnson of Pompano Beach, FL and Noah Johnson of O’Fallon.
His is survived by his siblings Velma (the late Elmo) Phegley and June Hodge. Sonny was saved and baptized at the age of 38 years and a member of the First Baptist Church of Arnold.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his siblings, Norman (Geneva) Barton, Erman (Maxine) Barton, Arland “Fritz” Barton, Mazel (Dink) Woods, Mary Lou (Norman) Nichols, Helen (survived by Ivan) Lamb and Catherine Barton.
Sonny went to work at General Motors right out of high school and retired from there after 30 plus years of service. He worked a variety of jobs/ positions at GM (including clerk, supervisor, etc.) and even as a secretary to two different plant managers, therefore acquiring a nickname of “Sonnette”! When he and Sharon moved to Texas for a short time, Sonny had his most fun job working as a courtesy car driver for Ken Batchelor Cadillac. He had many stories to tell over the years and this job made that list even longer. He always enjoyed his work and took it seriously.
A few years after starting at GM in 1962 he joined the Army National Guard and loved every minute of it. He could give you details of people and places like nobody’s business.
Retirement kept Sonny busy, even managing his nephew and niece’s business for a few months. He enjoyed working with his son Brad in his home improvement business (marble, glass, etc.) always knowing what tool Brad would need next without a word between them. He also was right there for his son Tim, whether it was assisting him with home repairs or even advice.
Sonny will also be missed by his brother-in-law Don (Martha) Reed, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, co-workers, neighbors, school classmates and so many friends.
As you can see Sonny was certainly the “Patriarch” of the family of which there is no greater honor.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., on Monday, Oct. 7, from 4-8 p.m. and on Tues. 8:30 a.m. until time of service at 9:30 a.m., Interment Arcadia Valley Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 8. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Siteman Cancer Center at FoundationBarnesJewish.org. Donations can be mailed to The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital P.O. Box 790369 St. Louis, MO 63179-9917.
Sonny was such a wonderful, humorous and loving human. He was very generous and kind to us, and we can never forget him. It is sad to hear of his passing, but we know he knew God, and God was ready for him. God bless Sharon and the boys and their families. Sonny will be missed.
Lou “Sonny” & Mary
Sharon and family i won’t be able to attend any service or visitation for Sonny and that bothered me but I’m just not able. You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers… but mostly in my heart… as you go through this sad time. Love you so much.
Sharon, so sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. I remember him being such a quiet guy.
Its been a lot of years since County Federal and the times we had.
My deepest sympathies.