In Loving Memory of Edward Lee Barton Jr.

February 3, 1940 – April 17, 2026

Life and Legacy

Edward Lee Barton, Jr., aged 86, of Clermont, FL passed away on

April 17, 2026

Born on February 3,1940 in Ocala, FL to Jeannette Meeks Barton and Edward Lee Barton, Ed was known for his positive attitude, love of sports, hunting, fishing and family. He attended Florida Sothern College and went on to have several fulfilling careers as a teacher and coach, a citrus grove owner and caretaker, a sales representative for agricultural products and finally, a co-founder and operations manager of Cherry Lake Tree Farm. In all of these roles, Ed was respected for his passion and work ethic as well as his dedication to the people that he worked with.

Passion and Community

Outside of work, Ed was passionate about fishing and nature. He spent much of his time tending his native garden after moving back to Clermont ten years ago. Prior to that, he split his early retirement years between Suwannee, Florida and St. Augustine, Florida. In those locations, he enjoyed beach combing nature photography, fishing, bike riding and exploring with his granddaughter.

Family

Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Hope; his daughters, Andi and Tracey; and 3 grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa.” He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carolyn Barton Grissom.

Services and Remembrances

A celebration of life will be held on

Saturday, April 25, 2026

2:00 PM

At the Lakefront home of Tracey Barton and Mike Padgett.

14025 Gadson Street – Groveland, FL

Bring a lawn chair and dress casually. Straw hats encouraged – high heels discouraged!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to any of the following charities in Ed’s honor, reflecting his lifelong commitment to preserving the natural space of this Earth for future generations.

The Nature Conservancy in Florida – https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/

Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation – https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/

Florida Native Plant Society – https://www.fnps.org/#gsc.tab=0

1,000 Friends of Florida – https://1000fof.org/

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language than can transcend political or social boundaries.” - Jimmy Carter