In Memory: Dr. Kris Barton, 39, Professor at Dalton State College

Editor's note: the following obituary was submitted by Lakeside Funeral Home.

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Dr. Kristin Barton, age 39, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on May 4, 2016, at his home in Woodstock, Georgia.

He was born in Pennsylvania on May 3, 1977 to Sam and Mary Barton and grew up in Jupiter, Florida, where his love of science fiction, Star Wars, trivia and reading began. He graduated from Jupiter High School in 1995 and attended Florida State University in Tallahassee where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication, his Master of Arts in Communication and his PhD in Philosophy. Kris was a proud member of the FSU Marching Chiefs band and enjoyed yearly trips to his alma mater.

Kris’ love of education continued as he built a successful career as a professor at Dalton State College where he had the opportunity to inspire the lives of his many students and co-workers over the past seven years. Most recently Kris served as professor and chair of the Department of Communications and was a well-respected scholar among his peers and leaders, attending yearly conferences, publishing his research in academic journals and supporting the creative, out of the box thinking that he became known for.

During his time at Dalton State, Kris met the love of his life, Gina Walsh and they married in 2010 in St. Lucia. They welcomed their beloved son, Wyatt, in 2013. Kris was a hands-on, dedicated and patient father who enjoyed chasing Wyatt around the kitchen, throwing sticks outside and taking Wyatt for walks in his wagon.

Kris was a voracious reader and a movie and television aficionado. He wrote and published numerous books that fueled both his personal and professional interests and loved attending pop culture conventions, FSU football games and trivia night with his friends.

Kris was thoughtful, logical, methodical and intentional with his actions and words. He leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, kindness and tolerance and whose presence will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Kris is survived by his wife Gina Walsh Barton and their son Wyatt, his parents Sam and Mary Barton of Leesburg, FL, his sister Nicole Becker (Jay) of Ocoee, FL and his beloved nieces and nephews, Miranda and Daniel Becker of Ocoee, FL, Billy Walsh of Port St. Lucie and Shelby, Anthony and Jett Walsh of Roswell, GA.

A visitation will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Drive in Woodstock from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. May 12 at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway in Woodstock. The family of Dr. Barton requests that you participate in a celebration of his life and honor him by wearing FSU colors (garnet and gold) or Star Wars/Super Hero/Comic Book themed t-shirts.

A reception will follow the memorial at 6020 Tangletree Drive in Roswell. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Wyatt Barton’s College Fund.

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Image via Dalton State College