Steven Jack Barton

1944 - 2026

Steven Jack Barton, age 81, of Hancock County, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Steve was a man known for steady leadership, quiet strength, and a lifelong commitment to caring for others-especially his family.

Steve was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 10, 1944, the eldest child of Branson C. "Bill" Barton and Doris Ruth (Poer) Barton. He grew up in Charlottesville, Indiana, where he learned early the values that would define his life: hard work, responsibility, and service to others. He graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1963.

Steve married Sherry Freeman in 1966, beginning a partnership that shaped the rest of his life. Together they built a family that became the center of Steve's world. He was the proud father of Tammy, Scott, and Adam, and a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather to a growing family who brought him constant joy. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Pado." Steve and Sherry created a home that was always open-a place of support, laughter, snacks in the drawer, and unconditional love.

From his early teen years through college, Steve worked alongside his father at Bill Barton and Sons Service Station in Charlottesville. Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology from Ball State University in 1970. He spent his professional career with Eli Lilly and Company, beginning as a laboratory technician and later serving as an analytical chemist and senior systems analyst. Over 35 years, he became known for his integrity, problem-solving ability, and leadership, eventually traveling the world on a global laboratory chromatography project before retiring in 2002.

Leadership and service were defining parts of Steve's life. He devoted decades to Freemasonry and York Rite, serving in numerous local, state, and national leadership roles. He served twice as Worshipful Master, led commandery drill teams for decades, and was elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Indiana. He later served three years as Department Commander for the East Central United States, overseeing multiple states. Steve was also appointed to the national Drill Regulations Committee of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, serving multiple terms as Chairman, helping shape drill standards at the national level. While his titles and honors were many, Steve valued most the friendships, mentorship, and sense of purpose that came from serving something larger than himself.

After retirement, Steve poured his energy into family and community. He volunteered at Hancock Regional Hospital, worked with Eastern Hancock schools in lawn maintenance and as a bus aide, and took on what he jokingly called "30 years of catching up on housework." He loved time on the water, sitting in boats across the Midwest-especially in Michigan-enjoying the quiet, the challenge of fishing, and the stories that came with it.

More than anything, Steve was a family man. He and Sherry provided a loving second home for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren-offering rides, babysitting, guidance, and a steady example of kindness and dependability. To his family, he wasn't just Pado; he was a safe place, a helper, and a role model.

Steve was a man of faith and service. He and Sherry were longtime members of Charlottesville United Methodist Church, where Steve served in leadership roles, and later attended Wilkinson Church of Christ.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry Barton; his parents, Bill and Doris Barton; his son, Scott Barton and his sister, Carol Ann Taylor.

He is survived by his children, Tammy (Chris) Stunda of Wilkinson and Adam (Julie) Barton of Markleville; brother, Tom (Janice) Barton of Knightstown, daughter-in-law, Jane Barton of Greenfield, his beloved grandchildren, Steven Stunda, Jordan (Jameson) Supan, Carly (Chandler) Guion, Tom (Callie) Barton, Kyle (Mackenzie) Barton, Maddy (Patrik) Seal, Jake (Haley) Barton and great-grandchildren, Marcella Stunda, Kaydence Supan, Luka Barton, Eden Seal, Gloriana Guion, Katherine Stunda, Lucy Supan, Tate Seal, Hudson Barton, Carmi Guion and one on the way. Also, his mother-in-law, Marcella Freeman; sisters-in-law, Rebecca (Candy) Freeman and Deborah (Kevin) Shipp; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A masonic service will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. at the mortuary. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary. Pastor Tony Darling will be officiating. Burial will follow at McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wilkinson Church of Christ Fusion Student Ministry, 7293 IN-109, Wilkinson, IN 46186, or to the Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage c/o of Knights Templar Greenfield Commandery #39, 661 W. Tague Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary.

Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.