HARRISBURG, NC – SPC Christopher Ryan Barton (U.S. Army), 22, of Harrisburg, NC, passed away Monday, May 24, 2010 while serving his country in Khowst Province, Afghanistan.

A service to celebrate Christopher's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2010 from the sanctuary of Idlewild Baptist Church with Reverend Sammy Case and Reverend Jeff Smith officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Harrisburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Christopher was born February 11, 1988 in Montrose, PA, a son of Elaine and Roy Schmiedeshoff. He was a 2006 graduate of Central Cabarrus High School. SPC Barton Joined the Army December 30, 2008 from Concord, NC as a Infantryman. He graduated from the Basic Airborne Course in 2009, and was assigned to C Troop, 1st Squadron 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell KY. His awards included; Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Expert Weapons Qualification Badge (Rifle), and the Overseas Service Bar.

In addition to his parents, Christopher is survived by his beloved wife, Heather Godwin Barton of Harrisburg; his brothers, Cory Barton of Harrisburg and Bryan Schmiedeshoff of Concord; in-laws, Jeff and Beth Godwin of Harrisburg; and brother-in-law, Justin Godwin; and his sister-in-law, Christa Godwin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the SPC Christopher R. Barton Scholarship Foundation, 9611 Brooksdale Dr., Suite 100, PMB 197, Charlotte, NC 28215. A service of McEwen-Mint Hill Chapel. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.McEwenMintHillChapel.com.