Carroll S. Barton

Born on a farm in Pocopson, Chester County, he was a son of Clarence and Viola Barton. He was the husband of the late Patricia Diener Barton. They were married for 72 years (and in love for 75).

Growing up during the Depression was formative. One story Bart told his great-grandchildren was how when homeless travelers came to the farm asking for a meal, his mother always provided one.

Bart graduated from Penn State with a degree in agricultural science, and had a long career in the poultry industry, retiring from Esbenshade Farms.

He was a member of First Reformed Church of Lancaster, UCC, and for years helped make the community meals served there. He also volunteered for Meals for Wheels, Milagro House, and Reynolds Middle School.

He enjoyed tennis; swimming; the Phillies and Barnstormers; making (and eating) ice cream; wood fires; trips to Ocean City, NJ; feeding the backyard birds and squirrels; refinishing furniture; making Christmas ornaments and graceful wood birds; and tending a garden where he grew cherry tomatoes, chives, peas and more for Pat’s cooking.

With Pat, Bart’s life was quiet and rich. Residents of the Grandview Heights neighborhood for more than 60 years, they were known for daily walks with a succession of beloved dogs, and for having people over for meals.

They invested in education, work, family and friends. They saved. They rarely bought clothes yet always looked nice. Their couch was going on 30 years and was still quite comfortable, thank you very much. They never had a dishwasher; they liked doing the dishes next to each other in their not-so-big kitchen.

Bart was funny and loved to laugh. He was steadfast in all he did. He never took a selfie. He was always, always there to help. We will miss him so much, and we respect his generation to the same degree. Honor them: Build a fire with wood you split. Plant a garden. Provide a meal. Be frugal. Be generous. Be there.

In addition to his last best canine friend, Shay, survivors include: daughter Rebecca (Robert) Friedrich; son Christopher (Nancy) Barton; grandchildren Elizabeth Friedrich, Philip (Dilshanie) Friedrich, Rosemary (Brett) Sheaffer, Kristin (Mark) Dierks, and Sara Barton; great-grandchildren Peyton, Ella, Gabriel, Thomas and Stuart; former daughter-in-law Marylou Barton; and nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by brothers Clarence and Edgar; daughter Jean; and granddaughter Emily, who we know greeted her Gramps with a huge hug.

Contributions in Bart’s memory may be made to Humane League of Lancaster Country, Lancaster Farmland Trust, and First Reformed Church of Lancaster. Services will be private.