Chris Barton

Funeral services for Chris Barton, 57, of Ore City, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at First Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Byrd officiating. Burial will follow at Ore City Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City. A time of visitation with family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, April 8, 2026, at the church.

Gerald Christopher (Chris) Barton was born November 9, 1968, in Longview, Texas, to Bobby and Debbie Barton. He passed away on April 4, 2026, at his home.

Chris never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone.

Chris loved the Lord, his family, and his community, and those passions were evident in the way he lived his life each day.

He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and shared that gift freely throughout his life. He began singing at the Hayloft in Glenwood at the age of 16 and went on to sing at countless churches, including First Baptist Church and Oakland Heights Baptist Church, as well as pageants, ballgames, and community events. For a time, he taught voice lessons at a school in North Carolina. Chris sang in the choir at both Kilgore College and the University of Louisiana Monroe and was also a member of the band at each.

Chris was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and previously sang in the choir at Oakland Heights Baptist Church in Longview. His faith was an important part of his life and a foundation for the kindness he showed to others.

He was active in his community and cared deeply for Ore City. He served on the Ore City School Board and was known as the voice of the Ore City Rebel Band, announcing them at football games. He supported the school at many sporting events and took great pride in encouraging the students and teams he loved. Chris had a special love for the Ore City Rebels, Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and the ULM Warhawks.

Although Chris faced health struggles in recent years, he never complained. He continued to show up, support those around him, and do what he could for others, reflecting the strength, kindness, and selflessness that defined his life.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dewey and Merline Barton and Maurice Machen; and a special uncle, Bill Barton.

He is survived by his parents, Bobby and Debbie Barton; grandmother, Ted Machen; brother, Craig Barton and wife Tessa; nieces and nephews, Cody Barton and wife Madeline, Cali Hughes and husband Chance, Alex McFarland, and Anna McFarland; aunt, Torie Palmer and husband Malcolm; great nieces, Blaire Barton, Tatum Barton, and Bennett Hughes; and a host of extended family and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Chris will be remembered for his kind heart and the love he shared so freely with others.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church – Ore City, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Ore City ISD. (Scroll down for contact information)