Compton

John R. Compton Sr. passed away Feb. 20, 2022, at the age of 81.

Born on Jan. 3, 1941, to Daniel A. Compton and Mildred E. Trachet Compton in West Orange, N.J., his family moved to Butler at an early age.

With a lifelong love of music, John began singing at Lyndora Elementary School. In his teen years, he was a founding member of The Cardells, a popular singing group, which performed at local sock hops and dances throughout the area. John was well-known for his singing ability and also taught himself how to play the guitar.

John met his future wife, Judy Charles, at the Cooperstown dance. The couple shared a mutual love of music and dancing throughout their marriage.

In his 20s, John worked at Pullman Standard, until its closure in 1981. John worked for numerous tree services, eventually establishing Compton’s Tree Service, which he owned from 1986 until his retirement in 2002. Throughout this time, John continued to play music in bands and on his own, with an emphasis on rhythm and blues. His favorite artists included Curtis Mayfield and Jackie Wilson.

John enjoyed diving, and teaching kids how to dive. He was well-known for his Donald Duck impersonation and his love of Mickey Mouse.

John was a member of AA for 50 years, sponsoring many individuals in their efforts to recover from addiction.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy; as well as his four children, John (Julie), Cathy Graham, Christopher (Lonie) and Jennifer Hesidence (Greg).

John was the grandfather to six grandchildren, Adam (Mercedes), Ian (Laurel), Tori Hesidence (Emily), Natalie Crissman (Keith), Lauren Mauser (Dylan) and Mia; as well as five great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Kaden, Makayla, Adley and Aubrey.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Green (Pat).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Alan; and his three brothers, Daniel, George and Tom.

COMPTON — Friends of John R. Compton Sr., who died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Christ Family Church, 334 W. Slippery Rock St., Chicora.

Burial will be held privately in Butler County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Foundation.

Please visit www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.