WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Charles Richard Barton, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025 at his home following a long battle with diabetes.
He was born December 15, 1956 in Three Rivers, the son of Edwin and Barbara (Brundige) Barton, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1975. As a child he enjoyed Boy Scouts, football, basketball, and baseball.
On August 29, 1981, Charles married Lucinda “Cindy” McDonald. They enjoyed camping with friends and family, and watching hockey games (Kwings), and NASCAR.
From a young age he worked at his father’s Auto body shop, Barton’s Body Shop. He also worked at Peterson Springs and American Axle. In the summer of 2023 he retired to spend more time with family and work on hobbies.
Charles enjoyed woodworking and watching old TV shows, especially M*A*S*H. He built many decks, picnic tables, toy boxes for all 6 grandkids, and so many other projects. The project was never done until it was perfect…
Him and his father-in-law Hubert McDonald “Gramp” spent a lot of time together, working on projects around the farm. Their proudest accomplishment was a log cabin they built together in Gramps’ woods with logs from the farm. It was said that Gramp, who passed away about 3 months ago, had planned a new log cabin for his new home and needed his best helper to help him build it.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Lucinda “Cindy” Barton; daughter, Jessica (Jon) Williams; son, Kristopher (Ashley) Barton; grandchildren, Brayden, Conner, Mackenzie, Eliza, Lillian, and Nolan; brother, Mick (Jan) Barton and several nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Barbara Barton, in-laws Hubert and Dorothy McDonald, brother-in-law Jim McDonald, sister-in-law Penney McDonald, nephews Benjamin McDonald and Bradley Barton.
His family will receive friends on Saturday, May 31, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. At 11:00 a.m. he will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. There will also be a Luncheon for gathering afterwards at Three Rivers American Legion Post 170, 59990 S. Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.
Donations in Charles’ name may be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
My deepest sympathies go out to Charlie’s family,
We went to high school together and enjoyed several classes together as well.
Charlie was always known to have the nicest car around, All his hard work at his dad’s shop surely did show.
I’ll miss Charlie. Running into him from time to time was always a trip down memory lane as we shared laughs from the old days.
Please know you’ll be remembered in thought and prayer in the days ahead.
I wish you all God’s peace,
Sharon (Butz) Jacobs
Class of ’75