Thomas F. Barton, Sr. Obituary (1937 - 2014)

Venice, FL and Belgrade, ME - Thomas F Barton Sr. of Venice Florida and Belgrade Maine passed away Feb 8th with the loving support of family and friends after a period of declining health. He was predeceased by his wife of 31 years Jan Bridges Barton, his brother Richard Barton and son Peter. Thomas was a loving father and survived by his five children, Thomas Barton Jr of Washington NH, Robert and Susan Barton of Belgrade Maine, Joan and Bill Cossaboon of Acworth NH and Jennifer Filkins of Lempster, NH. ; five grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Thomas was born in Claremont, NH. January 16, 1937, the son of Walter and Mary Barton. In 1957 he married Helen Hawkins and had five children. Thomas graduated from St Mary's High School in 1955 and attended Norwich University in 1959. He obtained certifications as a CLU and CFSC at Thomas College in Waterville Maine. Thomas worked for Met Life for 38 years and became the District Manager for Waterville ME. in 1968. He was a member for 45 years and former president of the Rotary Club of Waterville ME and was a 31 year member of the Waterville Lodge of Elks. Thomas served as past president of The Maine Association Life Underwriters. He also worked for Sentry Life as an Independent Agency Leader. He served on the Board of Directors for Maine tourism for 15 years. Thomas and his wife Jan owned and managed Woodrest Cottages in Belgrade since 1983. He contributed to numerous local charities such as the American Cancer Society, Hospice, MaineGeneral, Colby College, the Humane Society and served as Vice Chair of the Waterville United Way. Thomas was a devoted life- long Catholic and member of the Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville Maine and St. Thomas Moore in Sarasota Fl. He valued education and contributed generously to all his grandchildren's, nieces and nephews' tuition and encouraged them in continuing education. Some of the fondest memories are of the family ski vacations to Sunday River, the boat trips down the Kennebec River in Maine and the Intercostal Waterway in Sarasota, Florida. Dad loved golf and biking along the coast line in South Florida. He loved to travel and was always looking for a new adventure. Thomas will be deeply missed by countless family and friends as he reached out to others. There was no place he could go where he didn't run into a familiar face or make a new friend. Thomas always had a smile and a funny story to share. He was truly a man who made a difference and his good works will continue on in the lives he touched and the examples he set for a strong work ethic and loyalty. His footsteps have ascended into Heaven but they will never disappear from this earth or in our hearts. In Lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to United Way of Waterville, PO Box 91, Waterville, ME 04901 or the Waterville Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 192, Waterville. ME. 04901. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. next Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville, ME. An on-line guest book may be signed and condolences may be expressed at www.gallantfh.com. Funeral arrangements are with Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville, ME.