John "Bruce" Barton

John “Bruce” Barton, 86, of Hubbard has left this earth on April 17, 2019 at 11:32 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Youngstown to be with his beloved wife, Peggy.

Bruce, the son of Richard A. and Sara Krestel Barton, was born on April 12, 1933 in Youngstown, OH. He was a long time Howland resident until moving to Hubbard in 2014 to live with his son. In October he moved to Austinwoods where his granddaughter Kayleigh took profound care of him. He graduated from Niles McKinley High School in the class of 1951. Following high school, Bruce served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon separation in which he received an Honorable Discharge, he attended Youngstown State University. Bruce retired from RMI Company in Niles after 44 years of service where he was an Administrator of Insurance and Pensions.  After retiring, he assisted at a funeral home, where he truthfully proclaimed that “He would be the last one to let you down”.

Bruce married Peggy Eastlick on June 1, 1968 and together they shared 38 wonderful years of marriage and had three sons.

Bruce was a talented handyman, enjoyed hunting with his sons, woodworking, crafts, camping, water skiing, traveling and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, Lake Erie and Florida. Most of all, he enjoyed his family. He loved spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren. He made friends while watching his son and granddaughter play volleyball. He was a soccer coach and served on the Board of Directors for Family Service Association. Bruce was a wonderful provider for his family and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He often helped family and friends with their own challenges.

He is survived by his three sons, J. Scott (Kim and their sons Sebastian and Jace) of Niles, J. Russell of Hubbard, J. Darren of Cortland, his grandchildren Ian and Kayleigh Barton and their mother Dani Cross (John) of Canfield. Additional survivors include Bruce’s sister-in-law Patricia Kocka, sister-in-law Patricia Barton several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, stepsisters, stepbrothers and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Peggy whom passed on January 12, 2006, his brother Richard Barton, his father-in-law Ernest Eastlick and his mother-in-law Ora Arlene Eastlick.

Bruce will be deeply and sadly missed by his loving family, wonderful friends and neighbors. If by chance you wish to remember him, do so with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. Enjoy life and take care of your family and friends. If you do this, he will be remembered forever.

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com

The family request in lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bruce’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project at PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.

You are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 pm in the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446.

Inurnment will take place in Niles City Cemetery, where he will rest beside his loving wife Peggy.