Joseph William “Bill” Barton Jr., 87, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017.
He was born April 16, 1930, in Hinsdale, Ill., son of J.W. “Joe” Barton Sr. and Ruth Plowman Barton. He and Roena McCallister were married March 28, 1954.
The Barton family moved to Summersville in 1933. He started a small garage on the square and grew it into an automobile and farm machinery dealership along with owning a lumber business.
He grew up helping his father in all the businesses while attending Summersville High School. He enjoyed playing varsity basketball all four years and graduated in the class of 1947.
After graduating, he attended Draughon’s Business College in Springfield and returned home to help manage the family businesses.
In 1952, he was called to serve in the Army in Korea. He served 18 month before being honorably discharged in March 1954.
In 1956, he became a rural mail carrier out of the Summersville Post Office. He officially retired in 1986 after serving in that position for more than 30 years.
He served on the Summersville school board and city council along with others to help further his home town. He was a member of the Summersville United Methodist Church and served until his health prevented him from attending.
He enjoyed quail hunting and fishing with his son and grandsons. He loved attending all their sporting events.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Kenneth Barton; and two sisters Maxine Barton Stites and Freda Barton Church.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Roena; a son, Michael; a daughter, Sherry Young; a sister, Mary Lowes; two grandsons; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were Thursday, July 8, at Bradford Funeral Home with the Rev. Dorvan Stringer officiating. Burial with military honors was in Summersville City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
