Henry "Hank" Barton

Henry F. “Hank” Barton, age 70 of St. Helen went to be with the Lord Monday, April 12, 2010, surrounded by loved ones, after an extended illness. Hank had lived in the St. Helen area for most of his life. He was a member of the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church in West Branch and the Christian Motorcyclist Association. He retired from Asplundh Tree Service in 2006. Hank enjoyed motorcycle riding, fishing, bow hunting, rabbit hunting, being in the woods and being with family and friends. Hank is survived by his loving companion Helen Byers of West Branch, children Stacey Kistler of Gladwin and Rock Barton of Mt. Pleasant and his grandchildren Jeremy, Tiffany and Michaela. Also surviving are his brothers, Albert Barton of Grand Rapids and Harry Barton of West Branch, his sisters, Eileen Steckling and Judy Doud both of St. Helen, many nieces and nephews and the special people in his life, Ray and Beth Merryman, Julie (VanWormer) Barton and Ashleigh Warren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ernestine “Elsie” Barton, his brothers Fred, Richard, and Robert and his sisters, Mary Alice Beach and Helen Barton. Hank was a beloved “uncle” to everyone. Visitation at the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church in West Branch will begin on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. The celebration of Hank’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Robert Mohr will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Helping Hands, The Christian Motorcycle “Run for the Son”, or to the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church “Bless the Children”.