LTJG Samuel W. “Sam” Barton, age 26, U.S. Naval Aviator assigned to VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA, a lifelong resident of Naperville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 15, 2026, near Dardanelle, CA. He was born on September 1, 1999, at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL.
Beloved son of Phil and Karen (née Keeler) Barton of Naperville, loving brother of Max Barton, adored grandson of the late Wesley and Geraldine Barton; Judith and the late Jack Keeler; dear nephew of Jim (Diane) Barton, Mike (Lyndel) Barton, Kathy (Mike) McAlister, the late Rick Barton, Pete Barton and Missy (Jeff) Sitar; Gerianne (Jeff) Salzbrunn and Jack (Beth Knuth) Keeler, fond cousin and friend to many.
Sam was a 2018 graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, IL. Sam attended Iowa State University, Ames where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Naval Science. He was a member of the ISU Naval ROTC, Cyclone Battalion.
Sam was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy on December 17, 2022 upon graduating from college. Sam was initially stationed at NAS Pensacola, FL where he completed Naval Introductory Flight Education (NIFE) training. From there Sam went on to NAS Corpus Christi, TX where he completed the Primary phase of flight training as part of the “Boomers” of VT-27. Sam moved to NAS Kingsville, TX where he completed Intermediate and Advanced training in the Strike fighter platform with VT-22, the “Golden Eagles”. Sam received his “Wings of Gold” on March 27, 2026 and was selected to fly the F/A 18 Super Hornet. Sam was most recently assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA.
While in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Sam was an active member of Corpus Christi Community Church.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
A celebration of Sam’s life with military honors will be held on Thursday, June 4, 1:00 PM at Community Christian Church 1635 Emerson Ln, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 388-5000.
Graveside service will be held Saturday, June 6, 1:00 PM at Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. Military Honors will conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to any of the following:
Corpus Christi Community Church
2501 Lady Alexa Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
https://cccommchurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memoriam
or
Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society
or
VFW Post 2561
300 W. Monroe St.
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
The Olson-Yoder Funeral assisting the family with local arrangements. www.olsonyoderfh.com