John Eldon Barton, age 53, of Wheeling, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2017. He had just finished a successful hunt in Alaska and was enjoying vacation – spending time with his son, Josiah. Born October 15, 1963, at Marlinton, he was a son of Johnny Barton, of Slaty Fork, and Diana Wooddell Barton, of Marlinton. John was an exceptional man. He was an avid hunter and survivalist. He owned and maintained many rental properties in West Virginia and Ohio. He could fix anything, and he could be relied upon to help anyone – friend or stranger– who called upon him. For more than 30 years, John was the head Embalmer/Funeral Director for Kepner Funeral Homes in Wheeling. He was “Jeb,” a teacher and a lasting example to his co-workers of how we should care for one another and the families we serve in the funeral business. A Christian by faith, John was loyal and dedicated. He was focused and headstrong, endlessly hard-working and filled with gratitude for the blessings in his life. John loved his family above all things. He will be grieved and missed by each and every person who had the good fortune to know him. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eric; and a sister, Jeanette. John is survived by his mother, Diana Wooddell Barton, of Marlinton, and father, Johnny Barton, and wife, Marilyn, of Slaty Fork; two sons, Jeremiah Barton, and wife, Brooke, of Valley Grove, and Josiah Barton, of North Pole, Alaska; a grandson, Mark; a brother, Jason Barton, and wife, Heather, of Salisbury, Maryland; and a nephew, Wesley Felton. Funeral service was held August 29 at Kepner Funeral Home in Wheeling with Rev. Margaret Carr officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.kepnerfuneral.com
