Michael Alan Barton, 67, of Coral Springs, FL passed away on May 25, 2021 surrounded by family.

Michael was born in York, Pennsylvania on May 24, 1954, the fourth child of Frank L. and Jeanne E. Gingerich Barton. We all loved and cared for Michael; he was so fun-loving. We always had "pets" thanks to Michael, from snakes, to turtles, raccoons, guinea pigs, and rabbits, he explored the world of nature. To his final days he continued in his search for freedom and fun in the wild.

As a toddler, he was slow to speak and was not a big fan of education (Probably because we all rushed to do everything for him). What really resonated with him was following in his father's footsteps as a life-long Boy Scout. "Be Prepared" has become his life's mantra. He continued through his growing up years to become an Eagle Scout and enjoyed going to camp and teaching swimming to the scouts with his dad and brother, Tom.

Michael had a natural love of music and taught himself how to play guitar in the 70's and actually started his own "group." They practiced regularly in our garage, much to the dismay of some neighbors. Music was the door to creativity that led him to photography, sketching, and drone videos. He actually came to my over 55 community a few years ago and totally impressed everyone with demonstrations and videos. But Michael was not satisfied with just flying drones; he also took up hang gliding and even passed on that skill to his daughter, Owen Michelle Barton.

After high school, Michael didn't have a clear direction for his career, so he drove a truck for our dad in his electrical contracting business, Jno. Z Barton, Inc. Before long, Michael decided to join the Navy during the Cold War. He had many adventures and learning experiences on the submarine, Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Mediterranean and in Guantanamo Bay. The biggest take away from his six years in service was strength, values, and direction. He came home, attended Penn State and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in engineering. He has completed a long, successful career as a Senior Engineer for XMSirius Radio.

Though he was a dedicated worker, he always balanced his life with fun, physical activity. From hang gliding to hiking, waterboarding and boating, Michael was always busy, following his natural curiosity for learning and growing.

"Be Prepared" followed him into adulthood; he has always planned ahead - physically, financially and emotionally. The Barton's lovely home in Coral Springs, Florida is a testament to his planning and organization to be prepared for anything. He took pleasure in maintaining his home and caring for his wife, Mariola. Together, Michael and Mariola enjoyed life together, taking mini vacations and short walks on the beach. They visited Mariola's family in Germany and on their first trip Michael proposed in a beautiful castle, asking Mariola to be his Princess!! They were wed in beautiful British Island Resort. Through their 20 years, Michael was a loving and caring husband, he was Mariola's biggest fan! Mariola and Michael were devoted to reaching out to help others throughout their life together. They worked through the local Chamber of Commerce to build three homes for people in need in Haiti.

Five years ago, Michael become a grandpa, affectionately known as "Baba" to his granddaughter, Ava. Michael enjoyed Ava's visits- he showed her how to catch butterflies, feed ducks, and play in the mud.

Michael loved life and nature. He will be missed by many friends and family, but he was a great example of how we can overcome many obstacles and give back to family, friends, and the world.

Michael is survived by his wife, Mariola; daughter, Owen; step-children, Sharif (Kira) Abboud and Kathy Anderson; and grandchildren, Ava and Kayle.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 28, 2021 with visiting hours to follow until 4:00 PM. Michael will be laid to rest at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at South Florida National Cemetery.

Share your memories of Michael or express condolences to his family through our online guestbook.

A Note From Mike:

I want you to all know that I wish I could have made our family reunion this year. I feel so blessed to be a "Barton". I still wanted to share my thoughts and love with you all.
I've had a number of health related challenges this year and I am not ready to travel yet.
I fully learned what it means to be BARTON in this year of my life. Being Barton is to find strength where it no longer exists, to fight when there is no fight left, and to endure when no endurance is left the longest of trials.
I've been pretty healthy and active most of my life. This year I had a series of medical issues that hammered away at me every single day with pain. I been to the hospital more times than I can remember and more separate issues then I can keep straight. In August I thought it was behind me. I was to have a simple endoscopic procedure to remove a small cancerous growth from my stomach wall. A week after I found myself in the hospital bleeding internally. After 3 units of blood, a number of days passing, and learning some cancer still existed they removed a small wedge out of my stomach. After this procedure, in the hospital room my heart simply stopped while I was talking to my wife. The staff brought me back and I was soon being rushed to another hospital with a heart unit.
I spent another week in the hospital and was very very weak when I was released. After being home for a week we were suddenly faced with a category five hurricane coming to Florida (Hurricane Irma). This storm had the potential to be the worst ever.
Learning that 9 out of 10 people who have cardiac arrest die I was told I was lucky. I had my dark moments going thru all the heart related procedures. When I could no longer want live for me, I found my strength in being Barton and asking God for his help. Before each procedure and other weak moments I would draw upon my love for my wife and my entire family, you all. And, I learned how important it is to tell the people you love that you do love them! For I've been given a second chance to do so this year.
I hope this year during the reunion you take the time to say I love you to each other for second chances are not always given. I know that we all know we have a great family. I love you all. Hope to see you soon.
There is one more important part to being Barton, which is our sometimes sick humor. Now when people ask me how I am doing I tell them, "Well, I doing a lot better than I was in August when I was dead for a couple of minutes"
Love you all, Mike