William Edward Barton, 80, Greensburg, passed away unexpectedly at his daughter’s house on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Born November 6, 1937 in Waynesburg, Indiana, he was the son of Ebert and Dorothy (Muir) Barton. He graduated in 1955 from Jackson Township High School. On June 30, 1957 he married his sweetheart, Veneita Sue (Hilderbrand) Barton. She preceded him in death on January 28, 2017. They were married nearly 60 years.
Bill and his business partner, Roy Middendorf, started Tree City Tool and Engineering in April of 1966. He was highly admired and respected by his employees. He was well known as a generous man and was kind and giving with his family, employees and friends.
He was a wonderful, Godly husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be remembered as quite the storyteller. He had a unique ability to train dogs and always had bird dogs. He loved to hunt and was an accomplished golfer. In his free time he enjoyed going on golfing and hunting trips with his many buddies.
Bill is survived by three daughters, Connie (Bill) Meyerrose, Greensburg, Sally (Eric) Fromer, Elkhart, and Linda (David) Crawley, Greensburg; one son, John (Shelley) Barton, Greensburg; one brother, Ben (Dodie) Barton, North Vernon; two sister-in-laws, Sharon (Larry) Smith, Peewee Valley, Kentucky and Opal Barton, Tempe, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, Dallas Barton, one brother-in-law, Terry Tanner, one infant grandson and two infant great-grandsons.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 26 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home in Greensburg. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the funeral home with Janet McGee officiating. Burial will follow at the Westport Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Heart of God Ministries, 8121 McLavery Way, Unit 207, Brownsburg, IN 46112. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
