Duane Barton

Duane Barton, age 74, made his heavenly transition at home on Monday, April 17, 2023. He was born on May 18, 1948 in Columbus, Ohio to Albert and Gradella Barton. Duane graduated from South High School (Columbus, OH) in 1966 where he was a member of the football team, wrestling team, choir, French Club, and senior class vice president.

Duane's interest in a variety of activities continued after high school and he enjoyed spending time fishing, golfing, bowling, playing cards, coaching youth football, and archery. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially golf, Ohio State football, the New York Yankees, and his beloved Cleveland Browns.

While taking classes at Ohio State and considering a career in engineering or architecture, he got a job at Berger Associates and was introduced to a field that would change the trajectory of his life – photogrammetry. Duane worked for Berger, later known as Benatec for over 20 years, eventually becoming Vice President of Photogrammetry. In 1992, he purchased Benatec's photogrammetry division and founded Barton Aerial Technologies, Inc. He sold Barton Aerial Technologies to The Sanborn Map Company in 2000, where he continued to work, running both the Columbus, OH and Rochester, NY offices until 2006. He officially retired from photogrammetry in 2010.

After a debilitating stroke in 2013, he lost use of his right side, was initially wheelchair bound, and struggled with speech. He spent many hours in physical, occupational, and speech therapy, determined to regain as much function as possible. After completing the initial Neuro-Transitional Fitness Program at McConnell Heart Health Center, he joined the center and continued to exercise there nearly every day. His dedication and perseverance paid off, as he lost nearly 75 pounds and regained, in his estimate, about 80% use of his right side.

Duane was an outgoing, charismatic man who quickly connected with people from all walks of life. He made new friends wherever he went because he truly enjoyed getting to know people. Of course, there was nothing more important to him than spending time with his friends and family. Whether it was a fishing trip with his close friend, Stephan, a trip to a casino, an afternoon spent on the golf course, attending outdoor concerts with his siblings, celebrating holidays and special events, or his annual family vacation to Myrtle Beach, he gave his loved ones a lifetime of memories that will comfort us during the challenging days to come.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Gradella (Isom) Barton, and his brothers, Albert Jr. and Spencer Barton. He is survived by his children, Melissa (Richard) Barton-Briggs, Mark (Sabrina) Barton, Damon Barton, Sara Barton, and Joshua (Allison) Barton, his siblings, Charles (Anne Marie) Barton and Gradella (Terrance) Holliman, his grandchildren, Zachary Briggs, Ashley Briggs, Mark James Barton, Taylor Mullins, Tori Mullins, Luke Mullins and Larry Mullins, cherished nieces and nephews, cousins, and many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McConnell Heart Health Center in his memory to assist them in providing rehabilitation care to patients recovering from adverse health events. Foundation.ohiohealth.com/mhhc.