Billie L. Barto
Billie L. Barto of Butler passed away Sunday on his 70th birthday at Butler Memorial Hospital after a short fight with cancer.
Bill was born on May 13, 1948, to Martha M. (Wagner) and G. Richard Barto of Butler, who both preceded him in death.
A 1966 graduate of Butler High School, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.
He was a member of Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church in Butler, where he enjoyed accompanying his mother to services every Sunday, until her recent illness and subsequent death.
Bill was a proud veteran and a lifetime member of VFW Post 249.
For 31 years, Bill worked for American Hardware, the last 22 of which he spent driving a truck, finally retiring in 1997.
Following his retirement, Bill and Joann owned and operated Rockers Ice Cream Stand and Restaurant for 10 years in the village of Kepples Corners.
Bill, or “Pappy,” dabbled in assorted art projects and musical instruments, along with many indoor and outdoor projects, some completed, others not so much. He loved youth sports, especially hockey, and coached Moniteau Midget football a number of years ago.
Pappy had a big heart and quick wit and was a friend to anyone who met him. He enjoyed trudging through the thickets of his late Uncle Arthur's (Ruth Wagner) farm to find you a buck, but would rarely take a shot at one.
He will be missed by his cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and family alike. He would have preferred to write this himself, so it would be done his way, but he ran just short on time. Think of Pappy often and fondly.
Billie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Joanna Knoch Barto; his two sons of Butler, Gregory (Erin) Barto and Joshua (Kim) Barto; as well as his seven grandchildren, Emily Smith, Shane Smith, Cameron Barto, Maggie Barto, Justice Poston, Cayce Barto and Chloe Barto; and one great-grandchild, Rowynn Pitzer, all of Butler.
He is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Denise) of Charleston, S.C., Kenneth (Lynette) of Butler, Donald (Kathie) of Butler, Nancy (M. Scott Gilson) of Slippery Rock, and Daniel (Lisa) of Butler; as well as a great number of nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by two nieces, Stacy Barto Abraham of Virginia Beach, Va., and Melissa Barto of Butler.
BARTO — Friends of Billie L. Barto, who died Sunday, May 13, 2018, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME, 111 E. Slippery Rock and Main streets, Chicora.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Merry Meloy of Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church in Butler officiating.Full military honors will be provided by Chicora, Bradys Bend and E. Brady American Legions.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church, c/o Pastor “Rabbi” Merry Meloy, 201 E. Jefferson St., Butler, PA 16001.For more information, visit www.steighnerfuneralhome.com.
