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Robert L. "Bob" Barton, 87, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on September 27, 2026. Born in Busti, New York, Bob grew up on a dairy farm where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance -- qualities that shaped every chapter of his life. A gifted athlete, he became a NY state champion high school wrestler, a point of pride he carried throughout his life.
After graduating Southwestern Central High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning his military career as an enlisted airman. His dedication and capability led him to enter the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program, where he earned his commission and ultimately served as a Captain. He spent 13 years in the Air Force, leaving active duty in 1963 and the reserves in 1970. Throughout his service, he was stationed several times in Texas -- a pattern he liked to joke was the Air Force's way of telling him where he belonged. It was in San Antonio that he met the love of his life, Lynda, who would become his wife of nearly 65 years.
Following his military service, Bob explored several career paths, including selling welders, construction work, and serving as a loan officer for a regional finance company. He later spent seven years as a bank loan officer, where a chance conversation changed the course of his life. When a customer mentioned he'd sell his small feed store if a buyer could be found, Bob didn't hesitate -- he bought the store in 1977.
Over the next 45 years, Bob transformed that modest two-room feed store into a thriving 5,500-6,500 square-foot business, Rockin' B Feed & Supply, offering feed, animal health supplies, garden supplies, hardware, tack, and leather repair services. He operated the store with pride and integrity until selling it in 2022. The store continues to operate today, a testament to the foundation he built.
Bob's life in Texas was defined by his love of land, livestock, and the cowboy way of life. He and his sons spent countless weekends working cattle on leases across Central Texas -- riding horses, raising pigs and chickens, haying, fencing, and doing all the things that come with tending livestock. To the chagrin of his daughter, who often joked that she wasn't invited, these experiences became cherished family memories and shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren.
And in true Bob fashion, whenever it was time to get up, get moving, or tackle the next task -- whether feeding animals, fixing fence, or heading out the door -- he'd rise with his familiar, good-natured catch phrase: "WellÖ, I guess." It became a signature part of him, a small but unforgettable reflection of his steady, no-nonsense way of approaching life.
A defining chapter of Bob's life was his 28-year survival following a heart transplant in 1998, a gift that allowed him decades more with his family. He faced that journey with courage, gratitude, and an unwavering spirit, inspiring everyone who knew him.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Lynda Barton; his son Karey Barton and wife Julie, and their children, Ali Elhaj and husband Mike, great-granddaughters, Ava and Mia, and son, Alex Burton; daughter, Kelly Barton Rios and husband, Fred, and granddaughters, Jennifer and Victoria; son, Robert C. Barton and wife, Barbara, and granddaughter, Savannah Barton-Wells and husband, Chance, great-grandson, Dean, and granddaughter, Zoe Barton Dehoyos and husband, Christopher, and grandson, Joshua; son, Christopher Barton, and grandson, Sevren and granddaughter, Zayda; and his "adopted" son, Mark C. Andrews, his wife, Mary, and their sons, Jerrod and Jake.
He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Barton Howell, Diane Barton Ecker, and Becky Barton Smith, all residing in the Jamestown, New York area. He was preceded in death by father, Cleland, mother, Ruth, and brother, Gerald Barton.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 1 to 3 pm at the Oak Island Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (2970 DeVilbiss Lane, San Antonio, Tx 78264). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association or a reputable veterans' organization, honoring both the gift of life he received and the service he gave.
Bob leaves behind a legacy of service, hard work, humor, grit, and deep devotion to his family. He lived a full life defined by purpose, love, and the satisfaction of building something lasting -- from his military service to his business to the family he cherished above all else. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.