Tommy Lee Barton

Tommy “Tom” Lee Barton, 75, of Lumberton, passed away peacefully with two of his children at his side on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Tom was born on January 18, 1946 in Port Arthur to Dorothy Evelyn Dameron Barton and James Francis “Frank” Barton and grew up with his two siblings here in the Southeast Texas area.

Early in Tom’s life he made a brave decision to do his part to protect our Nation by enlisting with the US Marines. Serving for more than three years and serving in the Vietnam War, Tom truly did his duty to his Country. Once Tom returned from his service, he went on to accomplish many things over the course of his varied life; from piloting Cessnas, to becoming a highly successful and proud business owner of Commercial Ceiling and Drywall, to his wild interests in the rodeo ring riding broncos, barrel racing, reining at horse shows and even winning the Labor Day Buna Riding Club Reining Class on the family horse. Tom had many hobbies over his lifetime such as fishing, bowling on the Sr. Pro Bowling circuit, playing pool, picking a guitar with ease, racing cars, and of course creating the best fried fish recipe you have ever tasted. Tom truly enjoyed life to the fullest, traveling extensively over the years and cultivating meaningful mentorships and friendships with his children and friends. A man of his word, if Tom said something to you- he meant it, and if you said something to him- you better hold to your word too! In Tom’s world, “it is what it is” was an approach he took to almost everything, except his grandbabies. Papa Tom was the definition of a devoted and loving grandfather whose grandbabies could do no wrong. He would also spend hours video chatting with his precious grands, while he enjoyed spending whatever time he could with them. Tom made the world a brighter and happier place with his constant ability to make anything into a joke, and his jovial attitude will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Chris Barton and wife Jamie of Lumberton, JD Barton and wife Dawn of Troy, MO, Amber Runnels and husband Tim of Natchez, MS; his sister, Delores Harris and husband Max of Nederland, TX; his sister in law, Elizabeth “Liz” Barton of Kirbyville; his grandchildren, Kristen Armstrong and husband Tanner of Lumberton, Christopher Runnels and wife Chelsy of Conroe, Jaycie Barton of Kerrville, Brooke Runnels of Natchez, MS, Caleb Barton of Huffman, Taylor Barton of Lumberton, and Carsen Runnels of Natchez, MS; his great-grandchildren, Farah Lopez of Conroe, Colton Armstrong and Kimber Armstrong of Lumberton, Gabriel Loyed and Noah Loyed of Natchez, MS; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, business associates, and fur babies. Tom never met a stranger.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James Barton and Dorothy Dameron; and his brother, James Robert “Bob” Barton.

A memorial service honoring Tom's life will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 beginning at 3:00PM at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S Main St. Lumberton, TX 77657.

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