Billie L. Barto, 70, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on his 70th birthday, May 13th, 2018 at Butler Memorial Hospital after a short fight with cancer. Bill was born on May 13th, 1948, to Martha M. (Wagner) and G. Richard Barto, of Butler, who both preceded him in death. Billie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Joanna Knoch Barto, his two sons of Butler, Gregory Barto (Erin), and Joshua Barto (Kim), as well as his seven grandchildren, Emily Smith, Shane Smith, Cameron Barto, Maggie Barto, Justice Poston, Cayce Barto, Chloe Barto, and one great grandchild Rowynn Pitzer, all of Butler.
He is also survived by siblings Richard (Denise) of Charleston, SC, 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 also preceded in death by two nieces, Stacy Barto Abraham of Virginia Beach and Melissa Barto of Butler.
A 1966 graduate of Butler High School, Bill enlisted in the US Army shortly after 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 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 Kepple’s Korner. 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, quick wit and was a friend to any 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 cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and family alike. He would have preferred to write this himself, so it was done his way, but he ran just short on time. Think of Pappy often and fondly.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church c/o Pastor “Rabbi” Merry Meloy 201 E Jefferson Street, Butler, PA 16001. Friend received STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME 111 E. Slippery Rock and Main Streets, Chicora, PA. 2-4 and 7-9 Wednesday, May 16, 2018 Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at STEIGHNER FUNERAL HONE with Pastor Merry Meloy of St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church, Butler, PA officiating.
Full Military Honors will be provided by Chicora, Bradys Bend, and E. Brady American Legions.
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