Very sad news today. John Barton was one of those teachers and coaches who cared deeply about the kids and was passionate about sports. I actually played on a GHS golf team he coached, and he once called me "a competitor." From John Barton, there is no higher complement. I will never forget that or his bravery in dealing with the cancer that finally took his life, far too soon. Please add your comments to the article on Geneva Patch. -RN

I have very fond memories of Mr. Barton teaching PE class. He recognized, early on, that PE was not one of my strong classes, yet always encouraged with a smile. As a senior, going to the bowling alley, his booming voice could be heard over pins dropping and balls rolling "Landberg, you stepped over the foul line again". My sympathies to Val, his children and grandchildren.

R.I.P. Mr. Barton. Geneva High School will never be the same without that bellowing voice coming back to say hello.

Rest in peace Coach......He touched many lives in a positive way at Geneva High.My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.

My family was privileged to know John not as a teacher or coach, but as a neighbor and friend. He always took a keen interest in our kids as they grew up whether it was in their athletics or music endeavors. He taught them all the value of competing. He will be missed.

Amazing to be blessed with a life where he was able to touch the lives of so many young people in a positive way. RIP Mr.B

I'll never forget my first day of freshman PE class when Mr. Barton said to me, "you're gonna try out for volleyball and basketball this year or I'm going to fail you in PE". The way he said it, I knew he meant it! What I didn't know, was how much of an impact his mentoring and encouragement would mean to me as I did play volleyball and basketball all four years at GHS! I look back fondly and remember a great man who will be greatly missed.

Have so many fond memories of Coach Barton from summer basketball camp to track and field- always super positive and fun loving. I always respected him greatly and loved seeing him a few years back, he was walking past my folks house-was visiting in from CA and my two little boys got to meet someone I consider a mentor and great coach to me and my older brothers. Condolences to his family, what a wonderful man!

I can still hear his voice from the top of the bleachers as I was running in track practice or a meet. Always positive, always encouraging. He was a good man and will be missed. I'm sure he and my dad are discussing Geneva basketball in heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Barton's family.

I went into coaching because I was blessed in high school by outstanding coaches who were winners and tremendous role models, one of those individuals was Coach Barton. I wanted to be just like them and I followed them into this great profession. I had a chance to see Coach for the last time on June 28th. I was in the area and dropped by his house. He wasn't feeling well and was in bed. When he heard I was at the door he told his wife "I am getting up and getting dressed. I want to see Reeser." I think he did more for me in that one moment than the hour I spent with him that day. I love you Coach. Thanks for all of your efforts they are much appreciated and remembered.

My brother and I will both remember the fun football games back in the 1980"s. He was coaching the Sophmores-class 82" back then. My son is now a H.S. Sophmore, hope he has great memories like I did at Geneva Community H.S.
Susan Smith Cater

My favorite football coach at Geneva High. I can still hear him yelling "I want a 'Doopah' block 'Doopah' " I am not sure any of us had ever heard of such a word. Somehow, we all knew what he was looking for.

RIP, Coach