Robert James Barton, 81, of Barton Lane, Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock Township, Butler County, formerly of Avalon, Allegheny County, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday after a brief battle with cancer.

He was the son of Clarence Ralph Barton and Catherine Erb. Bob was a devoted and loving husband for 51 years to the late Marcia A. Duncan Barton, who he married on Oct. 28, 1955, and who preceded him in death on July 9, 2007.

He spent most of his working life in heating and air-conditioning. He loved his family with all of his heart. Bob truly enjoyed being outside working around the house and he totally disliked winter! He loved going to picnics.

He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, honorary member of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Company, member of the American Legion Post 116 of Avalon and the VFW Post 6231 of Slippery Rock.

Bob leaves behind three wonderful children, Cheryl A. Reagan of Grove City, Lori J. Lux and husband, Mark S., of Slippery Rock and Jim A. Barton and wife, Lisa M., of Avalon; five beautiful grandchildren, Robert, Michael, Patrick, Nicole and Tyler; and four great-grandchildren, Robert, Julie, Chelsey and Cody. Also surviving is his wonderful sister, Katherine Steigerwald of Florida; and nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his wife; father, Clarence; mother, Catherine; brother, Clarence “Slim”; and sister, Eleanor Phillips.

BARTON — Family of Robert James Barton, who passed away Sunday, March 31, 2013, will receive friends at the Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock, PA 16057, from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. A memorial service will be observed at 8 p.m. Friday.Memorial contributions may be given to the VNA Inpatient Hospice Facility at 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001, in memory of Bob and Marcia Barton.