Billy Joe "Jody" Barton

“Jody” Billy Joe Barton was born March 28th, 1937 in Fordland, Missouri to Jessie and Lawrence Barton. Jody spent his early years growing up on a farm and pulling pranks on his neighbors and teachers. Jody married Laura Belle Barton on November 9th, 1955. They were married for 61 years. They welcomed a son, Jerry Dean Barton, into their family on August 31, 1956. Jody’s family was everything to him. Jody and Laura enjoyed spending time with their son, 2 granddaughters and 5 great grandchildren.

Jody and Laura enjoyed going to the casino together. He took care of his parents as they aged. Jody spent over 60 years working for Western Fireproofing and as a member of the Greater Kansas City Laborers Union, that was founded by his father. Jody started at Western as a young teenager and worked his way up to Superintendent over the years. His work meant a lot to him. He was known for being a boss with high standards for himself and his crew. While he demanded a lot from his crew, it was easy for them to respect him as he never asked them to do anything he wouldn’t do. Many of the men who worked for him saw him as a second father. Jody had many close friends who he considered family. He enjoyed spending time with those friends at the lake, drinking a Budweiser or two around a bon fire.

Jody is proceeded in death by his parents, Jessie and Lawrence Barton and his wife, Laura Belle Barton. He is survived by his son, Jerry Barton, granddaughters, Nicole McGee and Jessica Shaddox, and five great grandchildren, Jackson, Katie & Jessica McGee and Logan & Sydney Shaddox.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Working Families’ Fund. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.