David Barto
Dr. David Barto, age 77, passed away peacefully with family present on June 30, 2020. He battled multiple myeloma for the last 16 years with courage and grit. He was a man of integrity for whom love of God, family and friends were of most importance.
David was born in Knoxville, TN and was a 1961 graduate of Fulton High school where he was an “All City Football Player”. He attended UTK on a full track and field scholarship to pole vault for the VOLS and finished in 4th place at the 1963 SEC Indoor Championships.
He then attended UT Dental School in Memphis obtaining his DDS and then his masters in Pediatric Dentistry. He was a prominent Pediatric Dentist for over 40 years, much loved by his patients and office family. He was respected among his dental peers, many of whom considered him mentor and friend.
David was a man of many talents and varied interests. Active in his church, he taught a couple’s Sunday School class for over ten years. He loved tennis and was a member of both the Racquet Club and Manker Patten. Many lifelong friendships were formed during those years and kept to this day. He loved bow hunting, fishing, and farm life. Until 15 years ago he maintained over a 100 head of cattle, cutting hay, mending fences and managing a large garden. In his latter years, the garden, blueberry patch and bee hives were his main farm focus. Battling with our resident beavers on a regular basis, was also a favorite pastime.
David was always in teaching mode giving words of wisdom and encouragement to his friends and family. He truly was a mentor to many on the important subjects of life; faith, family, hunting and farming. He was a devoted husband and father who will be greatly missed. He had many friends young and old, near and far. We are so thankful for each one of them.