Robert Edwin Barton

**October 12, 1938 – November 15, 2025**

Robert E. “Bob” Barton, 87, of Valrico, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025.

Born March 24, 1938, Bob was the son of Charles E. and Caroline Barton. A native of Ashville, New York, Bob moved to Seffner, Florida, in 1985 and later made his home in Valrico, where he enjoyed the sunshine and the company of family for the rest of his days.

In his younger years, Bob was a fierce and joyful competitor. Most summer evenings, you could find him on the pitcher’s mound of a softball diamond; he always brought with him a contagious smile and a wicked curveball. He remained a lifelong sports enthusiast, never missing a chance to cheer on the Tampa Bay Rays or watch NASCAR races. Above all, his greatest joy came from time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—whether during special occasion gatherings, holidays, or quiet moments at home.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Barton; his son C Edwin Barton; and his beloved grandsons Thomas James Reynolds and Michael Robert Sullivan

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Evelyn Michalowski Barton, whom he married on March 31, 2001; his sister Carrie Ann (Barton) Costlow; his daughters Rachel Reynolds (George Ashburn) and Darlene (Michael) Frazier; and his stepdaughter Karen (Randy) Mueller.

Bob’s legacy lives on through his adoring grandchildren: Barbara (Jim) Layton, Mathew (Alison) Sullivan, Kyle Reynolds and Step grandchildren Brooke (Matt) O’Donnell Courtney (Dan) Abrami, Brittney (Jared) McKinney, and Simion (Rilley) Mueller. As well as eleven great-grandchildren: Hailey, Tyler, Ellie, Benjamin, Lilly, Paisley, Luna, Violet, Grayson, Gunner, and Knox—who brought endless light to his later years.