Eugene “Gene” Barton

Eugene “Gene” Barton, 89, of Salem, VA, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026. He was born in Montgomery County, VA, to Lacy Byron Barton and Georgie E. Stump Barton and grew up in Catawba, VA.

He was a simple, hardworking man who lived his life with quiet strength, determination, and an incredible work ethic. Good with his hands, he could fix almost anything and always seemed to find a way to make things work. He believed in working hard, taking care of what needed to be done, and providing for the people he loved.

Gene proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves for 11 years and went on to a career at General Electric in Salem, where he worked for more than 35 years. For many years, he carried multiple jobs to support his family.

A true outdoorsman; Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman. Spending time outdoors in Bland County with his son and grandson was among his favorite pastimes, creating years of memories. He had a keen eye for spotting four-leaf clovers, with thousands to his credit, and a spirited competitive streak when it came to croquet and card and board games. He was famously hard to beat and celebrated each victory with good natured triumph.

Gene was a longtime member of CommUnity Church in Salem. Though a man of few words, his faith was an important part of his life, and he attended church faithfully whenever he was able. It was a foundation he and his wife, Ginger, hoped their children would carry with them throughout their lives.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Virginia “Ginger” Barton; parents, Lacy B. Barton and Georgie E. Stump Barton; sisters Annie Akers (Alvin), Bernice Gray (Joe), and Pauline Wells (David); and brothers-in-law Carl Bird Jr. and Branard “B.K.” Chafin.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Brenda Compton (Sherman); sisters-in-law Margaret “Peggy” Chafin and Laura Beth Bird; children, Linda Bailey (David), Sharon Barton, and Byron Barton (Sheree); grandchildren, Allyson Bailey (Colby), Laura Chalfant (Andrew), Starr Barton (Logyn), and Landin Barton; great-grandson, Carter Chalfant; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026 at CommUnity Church in Salem, VA. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Graveside will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, VA.

Gene’s legacy will live on in the family he loved, the example of hard work and perseverance he set, and the many memories created over a lifetime.