Richard Edward Barton

Richard "Rich" Edward Barton, age 89, died peacefully in his home on July 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Rich was born April 25, 1936, to Edward and Opal (Hutchinson) Barton in Detroit, MI. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to their farm in rural Grand Rapids, Ohio, where Richard would work on his parents' farm. He was the oldest of four children with brother Lowell and sisters Marilyn Murray and Caris Dawes. After serving his country in the United States Army, Rich returned home and met the love of his life Lucille Tolles and the two married on August 9, 1958, and had five children: Steven (Rose), Terry (Sharon), Kimberly (Karl) Ritchey, Scott and Joseph.
Richard was a 1954 graduate of Grand Rapids High School where he enjoyed band, choir, yearbook and basketball. He, along with brother Lowell, raised award winning cattle and other livestock. Shortly after graduation, Rich enlisted in the US Army where he served on various bases in Germany. He enjoyed traveling in Europe and visited many countries and famous sites. Upon returning home, he returned to farming and later began working at The Anderson's in Maumee. In 1968, he left The Anderson's to work for the Chrysler Machining Plant in Rossford, retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service. He then began working as a funeral assistant with Wright Funeral Homes in Grand Rapids, OH. Rich was a member and former Deacon of Neapolis Church of Christ but has attended Bethany Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, for the past 30 years. He was a member of Providence Grange and Chrysler Retiree Association. Favorite past times included working on cars, yard work, reading his study Bible, taking photos at family functions and spending time with his large family.
Along with his wife, Lucille, and four of their children, Richard is survived by grandchildren: Bekah Springstead, Rachel, Melinda (Brad) Grimes, Christina (Jason) Tony, Matthew (Mary), Andrew, Elizabeth, Victoria (Vicente II) Loredo, Jacob (Sara), Benjamin (Kelsey), Sarah (Bryan) Smith, Richard, Dion Springstead and Cora Cadiz; by Great Grandchildren: Justice, Noah, Gabrielle, Nadia, Hannah, Shelby, Emily, Isaach, Faith, Joseph, Angel, Peter, Ciera, Bradley, Caleb, Hailey, Braxton, Celeciana, Matthew Jr, Malachi, Jezalynn, Azaylia, Isaiah, David, Alexandria, Uzziah, Vicente III, Alonzo, Felipe, Selah, Brynn, and Alan; by Great-Great Grandchildren Bailey, Yalaina, Hezekiah and by Brother/Sister-in-Laws Richard and Janice Tolles, Norman "Dutch" Tolles, Karen Tolles and many wonderful friends, former co-workers, cousins and hundreds of loving nieces and nephews as well as his Bethany Baptist Community. He was preceded in death by his son Scott and granddaughter Stephenie, his parents, his In Laws, brother, sisters, and many of his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to all who assisted with Rich's Care including Heartland Hospice, Nurse Jaimie, Pastor Tim Coley, Jim, Deb and Sarah Scheub, Walter and Valerie Pippin, nephews Rick and Matthew Tolles, and nieces Angie Gordon and Vickie Sautter Digby.
Visitation will be at Hanneman Funeral Home, Grand Rapids Chapel, 24084 W Second Street, Grand Rapids, OH, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 4-7PM. Additional visitation will be at 10AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church, 14070 Bailey Road, Grand Rapids, followed by his funeral at 11AM. Graveside service to immediately follow services. Pastor Tim Coley will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Heartland Hospice or to Chairty of the donor's choice.
Hanneman Funeral Homes is honored to serve Richard's family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
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