ARTHUR OLIVER "JOE" BARTON, JR., age 92, of Washington CH, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. at Copper Knoll Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on January 29, 1934 in Fayette County to the late Arthur and Mertie Millirons Barton. He was a 1951 graduate of Bloomingburg High School. He served his country in the United States Army for two years. He was a long time member of the First Christian Church which later became Crossroads Church.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #25 Joe was also of the Good Hope Lions Club since October 1, 1964 where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2002. He enjoyed mowing grass and tinkering in his garage. He had served as a Wayne Township Trustee for 24 years, had been an employee of Roney Auto Parts for 31 years and was also employed by Washington City Schools.

Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia Allen Barton, whom he married on July 9, 1955. Joe passed on their 71st wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his children, Dave Barton, and Jodi Barton.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Dean, Leroy, Dick, Jack, and Ben Barton, Donna Baji, Betty Jones, and Nancy Lewis, and his in-laws, whom he was very close to, Romie and Iva Allen.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Christian Church. Family and friends may call at the church from 11-1:00 p.m. and burial will follow at the Good Hope Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Fayette County Honor Guard. The Lions Club will conduct a service prior to the funeral.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers and Adena Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com