The 20-year old was shot at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

There's been some grieving, reflection, even anger.

Mostly though it's been heavy hearts, as people learn about the soldier.

People who knew him best say he was devoted not only to his family but his country.

Rolla High School English teacher Rod Waldrip still remembers the favorite seat of one of his students and dear friends.

"He was like a son to me," Waldrip said.

In less than a year's time, Barton graduated from the Ozarks to the front lines in Iraq.

"He always wanted to be a soldier," Waldrip said.

That lifelong dream ended up costing barton his life. Not from enemy fire, but a fellow soldier.

"We were stunned. We were shocked," Barton's counselor Kimberly Maskrey said.

She says the loss has been especially difficult for Barton's family and the school faculty.

"He was a family man who was very authentic," Maskrey said.

One of Barton's favorite hangouts was the library. Teachers say he was a big sci-fi reader.

"He saw things the other kids couldn't put into words."

The one word Waldrip says he'll always use when describing the hardworker, is hero. That's because he took the bullet for one of his fellow soldiers and friends.

"I hope that man knows what Barker means to us here," Waldrip said

Barker's heroics will soon be honored at the high school. Waldrip says he may never let another student sit in this seat after this year.

Teachers and counselors say the news of Barton's death has been slow to reach the students.

They say they've seen some tears shed this week, as well as a couple of lowered heads.

Faculty also says what makes this worse for them is the fact that summer is so close.

They will have a long three months to think about the tragedy.