John S. Barton

John S. Barton, 97, passed away peacefully in his home from this life on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was the devoted husband of the late Norma M. (Fulton) Barton who passed in October of 2019. Born in York, he was the son of the late John Z. and Charlotte L. (Hoffman) Barton.

Surviving are 4 children, Richard A. Barton of Stewartstown, Katherine A. Trahan and her husband, Michael of Conroe, TX, Susan E. Weaver of Stewartstown, and Joanne L. Rill of Stewartstown; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sibling, George Barton. He was preceded in death by two sons, John Edward and Jeffrey Lee Barton, a brother, Frank Barton, and sister, Sylvia Little.

John is a graduate of East Berlin High School. He went on to Pennsylvania State College where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture with an emphasis on pomology in 1951. He was a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 301 after WWII.

John owned and operated Barton’s Fruit Farm with his father since the 1950’s and later with his son, Richard, until he retired in the early 1990’s.  He was a member of the York County Fruit Growers Association where he served as president for several years. He also served as president of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania and was a member of the International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association.  He also served on the Solid Waste Authority for a few years.

Mr. Barton was a member of the Stewartstown Presbyterian Church since 1956, serving as an elder, trustee, deacon, member of the nominating committee, and a very valued member of the Fellowship Committee.  He was in his 70th year as a member of the Lion’s Club where he held many different offices.

He and his wife, Norma, traveled extensively to all 50 states, through Europe and South America. They also participated in the York County Senior Games winning many medals in various sports.

John’s other interests included golf, bowling, bocce, woodworking, restoring old tractors and other farm equipment, and hunting where he was a member of Hopewell Fish and Game.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a viewing from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown, PA 17363.  There will be a second public viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 30 at Stewartstown Presbyterian Church, 14 College Ave., Stewartstown, PA 17363 with a service beginning at 10:30 a.m. A private family internment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Stewartstown Presbyterian Church, PO Box 277, Stewartstown, PA 17363. HartensteinCares.com