BARTON, William Alexander “Bill”, 81, of Richmond, VA, departed this life on May 3, 2018. Born March 26, 1937, in Baltimore MD, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Flora Barton, and three siblings: Doris Amidon, Elwood “Buddy” Barton, Jr., and Bill’s twin, Charles Barton. Bill is survived by son David (wife Tara), daughter Laura O’Brien (husband Tim), grandchildren Caroline and Kelsey O’Brien and Joshua Barton, and close partner of 17 years, Sandra Brooks. The family is grateful to Sandra for her loving care of Bill, especially in his final months.
In 1956, Bill enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged after eight years of service. He drove a cab to put himself through the University of Baltimore, graduating in 1959, and was president of his fraternity, Kappa Sigma Kappa. In 1960, Bill married Robin Barton Smith, the mother of his children. Bill started his career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation and then worked with MeadWestvaco as a sales executive for 28 years.
Bill was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts. He often recited the Scout Law as an inspiration to everyone: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” In 1953, Bill earned the Eagle Scout Award. He later served as assistant scoutmaster for Scout Troop 738 at Welborne United Methodist Church. In 1976, he became the Finance Chairman of the Scouts Cardinal District. While serving in that role for 43 years, Bill raised more than $4 million. The Heart of Virginia Council honored Bill with the Silver Beaver, the highest award a Council can confer on adult volunteer, in 2008.
Bill was also a member of the Richmond West Lion’s Club for more than 40 years. He was an avid canoeist and member of the Coastal Canoeist Club. Bill navigated most rivers in Virginia and hiked the Appalachian Trail. He was a daily, early morning swimmer at the Tuckahoe YMCA. He enjoyed walks at his beloved cottage on Kerr Lake, and as a true conservationist, always picked up the trash along the way. In retirement, Bill travelled to Africa, Australia and the Galápagos Islands. He also tried snow skiing for the first time at age 70 and went on to successfully navigate expert slopes in several states and Canada.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scouting via www.hovc.org or the Heart of VA Council, P.O. Box 6809, Richmond, Virginia 23230. Services will be private.
