Bobby Joe Barton, beloved coach and teacher at Indianola High School during the 1960s, passed away on March 24 at Anderson’s Hospital in Meridian. He was 91.
Graveside services were on March 28 at the Stonewall Cemetery with Rev. Dennis Coats officiating.
Coach Barton coached men’s basketball and other sports and taught at IHS starting in 1960 until the school closed in 1970. He was an old-school coach and mentor who often drove athletes who lived in the country home after practice or games because they missed their school bus. He also is remembered for his discussion-oriented, question-friendly teaching style in civics, government and history and in that role was a calming influence for many students during the turbulent 1960s.
Coach Barton was born Nov. 8, 1932 in Stonewall, MS. He graduated from Jones Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi and earned two post-graduate degrees from Delta State University. The U.S Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division retired after 30 years of service as a coach, educator and teacher in Mississippi schools. He was a longtime member and deacon of the Quitman First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Martha Barton May, his sister Lois Oglesby Smith, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Audrey Harlston Barton.