Kenneth "Ken" Ray Barton

Kenneth Ray Barton passed away December 31, 2025, at his home at the age of 89. Ken was born in Elberton, Georgia, in July 1936, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

When Ken was a young child, his family moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina. After graduating from Spartanburg High School, Ken received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wofford College and completed the Army ROTC program. Ken then attended graduate school at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, a decision which changed the trajectory of his life. While earning his master’s and doctorate degrees in chemistry, Ken met his future wife, Peggy Norton.

Ken and Peggy were married on September 8, 1963, and they began their married life at the U.S. Army Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland. After completion of his military service, Ken and Peggy moved to Kingsport, Tennessee in 1964, where they lived for the next 32 years and raised two children, Stephen Arthur Barton and Penny Ann Barton. Ken used his love of chemistry in his work for Eastman Chemical Company as a research chemist, developing several patents during his career. After retiring, Ken and Peggy moved to Spartanburg in 1996. For several years, Ken worked for Abco Industries in Spartanburg and taught chemistry at the University of South Carolina Upstate.

Ken was a continual student with a particular interest in American military history. Ken was also a lifelong Southern Baptist and an active member of First Baptist Church in Kingsport, Tennessee, and Fernwood Baptist Church in Spartanburg. Ken regularly volunteered at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen and was active in the American Legion Post 28, serving with the honor guard at the funerals of deceased veterans.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert R. Barton and Thelma M. Barton, and his wife of 61 years, Peggy N. Barton. Ken is survived by his children Steve (Irene) Barton, Penny (Nic) Arning, and his grandchildren, Casey Barton, Alex Barton, and Matthew Arning. Ken was a devoted son, husband, and father, but his favorite role was Grandpa.

On Friday, January 9, 2026, the family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, 136 S. Forest St., Spartanburg, SC 29306.

The family is grateful to the nurses and caregivers who cared for Ken for many years.