Mark Barton

BARTON, Mark Douglas, age 57 of Flushing, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2023. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Mark's Life will be at 7:00 PM Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, Michigan. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM on Tuesday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made in Mark's memory to the Humane Society of Genesee County (www.geneseehumane.org).

Mark is survived by his wife, Kris; stepchildren, Brendan and Katilyn; father in-law and mother in-law, Dale and Candy Vorwerk; brother in-law, Jeff Vorwerk; sister in-law, Jeannine (Ryan) Sweers, and several nieces and nephews, all of Flushing; and devoted friend and favorite officiating partner, Chris (Katie) Vergison of Goodrich.

Mark was born on October 23, 1965 in Flint, Michigan to the late Clinton and Patricia (Rivet) Barton. He graduated from Carman High School in 1983 and received his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree from Baker College. In his work as an occupational therapist, Mark took pride in establishing rapport with patients and improving their quality of life.

He was a well-respected referee throughout Genesee County and the state of Michigan. Once a high-level baseball umpire, he most recently officiated football and basketball at the high school and collegiate levels. Mark took great pride in his officiating and spent several years as a trainer and recruiter for new officials. He always put 100% effort into the games he officiated and demanded the same of his partners. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing on his boat, lifting weights, spending time with his dog, Ranger, and traveling to Vegas and Northern Michigan with his wife, Kris.

Mr. Barton was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Craig and Kirt.

Online condolences may be shared on Mark's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com