Richard Alan Barton

Richard Alan Barton passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023, at his home in Arlington, Virginia. He was 85. Richard was well known for his love of family and of travel, for his reputation as a wonderful speaker with a great sense of humor, and for his active participation in Arlington civic and political activities. Richard was born to Alan and Nellie (Seward) Barton in 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland. His family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1947 where he lived until 1960. In 1964, he married Judith Strain and they had two children, Jennifer Barton Lucas, (John), and Michael Barton (Courtney). Richard’s wife Judith died in 1979. Richard is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jean Dickson Barton; his children from his first marriage, Jennifer and Michael; his step-children, Jennifer Dickson Duncan (Bob), and John Dickson; grandchildren Kristen and Madeline Lucas, Josie Barton, Amy Cameron Duncan, Natalie Duncan (Bry), Danielle Dickson, Kaelan and Aidan Brown; and his sister Martha Lefebvre. He was preceded in death by his first wife Judith, his brother Michael Stuart Barton, and Jean’s daughter Julie Dickson Brown (Colin). Richard earned a BA in Government from Louisiana State University, an MA in Political Science from The University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), and a PhD in Public Policy from George Mason University. His love of political life began when he served as an intern for Representative Hale Boggs (D-LA). He then ran James H. Morrison’s campaign and when Morrison (D-LA) was elected, came to Capitol Hill as his Legislative Assistant. He later spent thirteen years as the staff director of three different subcommittees, all dealing with Postal Affairs. Following that, the Direct Marketing Association hired him as their Chief Lobbyist, where he stayed for twenty-three years. In addition to his work on Capitol Hill, Richard enjoyed an active life in Arlington affairs, chairing numerous civic committees, serving on the Arlington School Board, and as Chair of The Arlington Democratic Committee. His was most proud, however, when Virginia Governor Chuck Robb appointed him to George Mason University’s Board of Visitors. This was when GMU was trying to find its way under the direction of then President George Johnson. For eight years he worked with Johnson and other Board members to provide purpose and direction that helped GMU become the great University it is today. A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held on January 6th, 2024, at 2:00 PM at The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington at 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204.