Mr. John Shelby Barton of Mobile, AL died suddenly on Monday, November 28th, 2022 at the age of 79 of a heart attack. John was a kind and loving husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was born in Mobile, AL on August 7, 1943 while his father was away serving with the Navy in the South Pacific. While his father’s job moved the family to various locations over the years, they eventually settled in Saraland, AL, where John attended Satsuma High School. John came close to losing his life at the age of sixteen as the result of a severe motorcycle accident. After an extended hospital stay, he remained in a wheelchair or on crutches for almost a year. Despite these challenges, he was elected President of his class and graduated from Satsuma High School in 1961.
John began his college career at Springhill College and later transferred to The University of Florida, where he studied Aerospace Engineering and became the first member of his family to earn a college degree upon graduation in 1966. The University of Florida also gave him the gift of his loving wife of 55 years, Sharelle Lopez Barton. Early in his professional career, John began working on the SR-71 Blackbird engine, which to this day remains the fastest plane ever built. He went on to work for Teledyne Continental Motors as an engineer and eventually became Vice President, where he helped develop the engine for the Voyager plane. In 1986, the Voyager became the first plane to circumnavigate the earth without stopping or refueling and is permanently displayed in the Smithsonian Museum, along with John’s name.
Most recently, he enjoyed his retirement on the water and islands around Orange Beach, AL. He loved the beautiful views and cocktails from his condo overlooking Ole River and would often send amazing sunset photos to family and friends. Other than being at the beach, his favorite activity was being a spectator at the many events of his grandchildren. He was a brilliant, funny, and caring man who always offered a helping hand. His good-humored personality and love of life were on display even in his final days. John had the privilege of spending the sunset of his life with his family, including all six of his grandchildren, overlooking Tellico Lake in Tennessee and celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday.
He was preceded in death by his parents AC and Rene Youngblood Barton, his sister Judy Nolfe, and his brother-in-law, Jim Nolfe. He is survived by his wife Sharelle, his three sons, Shelby, Russell (Carrie), and Jason (Julie), his grandchildren Krystin (Korey) Harkins, Cody, Cade, Alex, Blakely, and Ann Elise. He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Cindy) Barton, his nephews Tony (Kim) Nolfe, Tory (Bridgette) Nolfe, Tracy (Heme) Nolfe, and Shawyn (Lori) Barton.
Services will be held at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland, AL (1200 Industrial Pkwy) on Saturday, December 3, 2022 with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm and funeral service at 2:00pm. A graveside service will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Garden in Saraland, AL (10000 Celeste Road). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hidden Treasures Costa Rica Children’s Home (800 Hillcrest Rd, Bldg 6, Mobile, AL 36695 https://csmpublishing.org/causes/hidden-treasures-costa-rica-childrens-home/).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RadneyFuneralHome-Saraland.com for the Barton family.
