Donald “Tony” L. Barton

March 25, 1927 - December 10, 2023

Donald L. “Tony” Barton, 96, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Aster Place in Lafayette IN.

He was born March 25, 1927, in Pennsylvania to the late Ray and Josephine (McDermott) Barton. He grew up in Croydon NH on the “farm” and lived in Claremont NH until he retired to Winter Haven FL. He also lived many later years in Crossville TN, before his last year in IN.

He was a veteran of the Navy serving in WWII, and proudly served on the destroyer ship, the USS Perkins. His marriage was to Freda I Leighton in 1952, and she preceded him in death in 1998. He then married Gerda (Van der Wel) Dewit on June 24, 2000, in Winterhaven, FL and she survives.

Donald worked as an Engineer for Joy Manufacturing for 30 years and retired in 1983. Unprofessionally, he was a skilled builder and jack-of-all trades handyman. He was called often upon by all his FL neighbors! Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports cars, and relaxing. He maintained an impressive annual vegetable garden.

Surviving along with his wife are his daughter Nancy L. (Keith Tacey) Ferguson of Bay City, MI, Robin S. (Anthony Bonaiuto) Barton of New York, NY, stepchildren Annette H. (Daniel) Tomal of Venice, FL, Arie S. (Deborah) DeWit of Lafayette, Brenda M. (Ron) Mathia of South Bend, IN, Joyce M. (Tim) Fields of Baton Rouge, LA., 2 grandchildren Sarah Kainu and Jason Ferguson, 2 great grandchildren Emma and Odin Kainu, 12 step-grandchildren (noting Emily and Jason Newlin), and 26 step great-grandchildren. Donald had survived his siblings Ray Barton, Helen Theall, Jean Dodge and Douglas Barton.

No service is planned at this time.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Donald L. “Tony” Barton, 96, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Aster Place in Lafayette IN. He was born March 25, 1927, in Pennsylvania to the late Ray and Josephine (McDermott) Barton. He grew up in Croydon NH on the “farm” and lived in Claremont NH until he retired to Winter Haven FL. Continue Reading

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A beautiful testament of your dad’s life. My memories are his sparking eyes, his ready smile, his sense of humor, his gentle demeanor, and his skill at grilling steaks.

Very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Keep all the fun times and good memories when thinking of him. Our thoughts are with you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.