John E. Barton Jr.

GARDNER, MA – John E. Barton, Jr., 92, died peacefully January 6, 2016 at Wachusett Manor, where he lived with his wife.  He was born in Winchendon on August 6, 1923, the son of the late John E., Sr and Lela F. (Streeter) Barton.  He graduated from Murdock High School with the Class of 1941.  He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1942-1945, as a MMMO ¾, on board the Howard D. Crow, DE-252.  In August, 2013, as the last surviving crew member of the Crow, John was awarded the Combat Medal for his participation in the sinking of the German Submarine U-869 in New York Harbor, February 11, 1945.

John worked many years as a sander for Heywood Wakefield in Gardner and then worked calibrating bearings that went into steam turbines for Navy ships for General Electric Co in Fitchburg until his retirement.  He was a very talented oil painter, donating a portrait of Eugene M. Connor to the American Legion, sign painter, and cartoonist.  He was a life member of the American Legion.  In the 1980’s and 90’s, he DJ’d/produced a Christian radio program featuring the inspirational music of  his wife.

John leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Germaine (LaPointe) Barton; two daughters, Linda Murphy of Winchendon and Nancy Lovely and her husband Adra of Owls Head, ME; one son, Kevin and his wife Pam of Murfreesboro, TN; nine grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by a sister, Norma (Barton) Fontaine and son-in-law, Bill Murphy.

There will be no calling hours.  Private military Memorial services and interment will be held at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eugene M. Connor Post American Legion, 395 School Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 or to Wounded Warrior Project.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com