Jack Barton, 77

Jack G. Barton, age 77, of Colon, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, with his sweetheart of 30 years by his side, at Three Rivers Health.
Jack was born Jan. 15, 1941, in Sturgis, a son of the late Gordon D. and Iva M. (Snow) Barton.
He had made his home in Colon most of his life, graduating from Colon High School with the class of 1959. He then attended Michigan Tech University for five years.
On May 7, 1988, he married Martha Carlisle Rice in Colon.
Jack had worked 41 years as an electrician for Weyerhaeuser Paper Company in Three Rivers.
Jack was a member of Colon Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.
He enjoyed watching football and was a prolific reader who could talk on any subject, and had played the trombone in band at school.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Barton of Colon; two children, James (Carole) Rice of South Africa and Ruth (Philip) Anderson of Three Rivers; two grandchildren, Hannah and Abigail Anderson; two brothers, Dale A. Barton of Colon and Leslie (Marcie) Barton of Irving, Texas; two nephews, Andy and Brad Barton; and a niece, Kim Barton.
Private graveside services were held at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon, with the Rev. Robert Baxter, Pastor Bradley Barton and Pastor Scott Kroeger officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorials be made in memory of Jack to either Colon Baptist Church Music Fund or Gideon’s International. Envelopes are available at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon.