Stephen Arthur Barton

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Christine (Leake; his daughters, Cara (Wes) Bolton and Lindsay (Scott) Fowler; and son, Stephen W. Barton; grandchildren, Grace and Jonathan Bolton, and Cameron, Paige and Cash Fowler; brother, Lawrence (Susan) Barton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Steve was born on May 5, 1948 in Upland, CA and raised in Big Rock and Aurora, Illinois. He graduated from West Aurora High School, Northern Illinois University, where he and Christine met, and earned a Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois-Chicago. He was a proud member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and wore his “brother’s of the triple T” ring until his passing.

Steve worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, serving 20 years as a Behavioral Health Officer in the US Military; first, in the US Army, followed by the US Navy. Steve served during both Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm.

After his military service, Steve worked for Riverside Health System, retiring as the Clinical Director of New Foundations. In 2008, his career came full circle returning to Fort Eustis, VA. Steve joined Civil Service from 2008-2012, working with active-duty service members during OIF/OEF.

Steve was an accomplished psychotherapist, who devoted his career to behavioral health and addictive disorders, in particular. He was dedicated to lifelong learning and earned many additional certificates of study in the field.

Steve was an avid sports fan and as the sportswriter for his high school newspaper, fancied a career as a sports announcer. He enjoyed camping, fishing, watching sports, particularly UVA basketball, and a good joke. Most of all, Steve loved spending time with his family. He never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud he was.

Chris and Steve attended Williamsburg Community Chapel, where they sang in the choir, and belonged to several small groups that became like family.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that have supported Steve and Chris during his health challenges this year.

Please consider donations in his memory to Little People of America at LPA National Office, 250 El Camino Real, Suite 201 Tustin, CA 92780 or Online at lpaonline.org

A Celebration of Life will be held at Williamsburg Community Chapel, located at 3899 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States. The service is scheduled for December 18, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm.