Russell Robert Barton

Russell Robert Barton, 68, of Apache Junction, AZ, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Arrangements entrusted to Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Relief Foundation (JDRF).

Russell (Bob) Robert Barton arrived at his eternal home on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 in the care and comfort of his family at their home residence.

Bob was born May 4, 1947 in Seattle, Washington to Dorothy and Russell Barton. He grew up in Mesa, Arizona where he met the love of his life, Mona Barton. The two were married on January 8, 1972.

Bob enlisted in the army in May of 1964. During his enlistment, he served two years in Thailand, 33 months in Vietnam, three years in Germany, and one year in Korea. Bob served his country with an honorable career in the army for 22 years before retiring as a Sargent First Class in 1986.

Upon retiring from the army, Bob began working for the Pinal County Jail. He also completed the academy to become a deputy officer for the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department in 1988. Bob had a distinguished career with the Sheriff’s Department, working also as a homicide detective before his retirement in 2009.

Bob was proud to have fought to protect his country and to provide service as a law enforcement officer. He also was a respected member of the VFW and the DAV (Disable American Veterans). Bob was an active leader for the Boy Scouts of American while his son’s were growing up. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Mona, his sons Raymond (Victoria) and Gabriel (Tara), his five grandchildren: Morgan, Owen, Kinna-Marie, McKenzie and Harper, many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

Visitation will be Monday, November 23, 2015 at 10 a.m. with funeral services at 11 a.m. and burial immediately following at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to JDRF, an organization Bob held dear to his heart as two of his granddaughters have type one diabetes.