The Black Country community has been left reeling after the sudden and tragic death of a beloved father-of-three, who passed away peacefully in his sleep. Lee Barton, affectionately known as 'Bart' to his many friends, was found deceased on Thursday, January 29, at the age of 45, sparking an overwhelming wave of grief and tributes across social media.
A Devastating Loss for the Family
Lee Barton, who worked as a plumber, leaves behind his heartbroken family, including twin eight-year-old daughters, Jess and Viv, and a 14-year-old son, Regi. He was also a cherished step-father to his partner Sarah's four other children: Betty, Archie, Tom, and Ronnie. Described by his loved ones as a 'loveable rogue', Lee's unexpected passing has created a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Brother's Emotional Tribute
Speaking to local media, Lee's brother, Danny Barton, 43, shared the family's profound sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of support. "Although we have lost our brother, the outpour of love shown for Lee has been extremely overwhelming," Danny stated. "The love shown from hundreds of people reaching out and the pictures and comments about our brother and son have been truly a blessing. If it wasn't for these people, I don't think we would have coped so well."
Danny added that their phones haven't stopped ringing or buzzing since Lee's passing, highlighting the widespread impact of his loss. He fondly remembered Lee as free-spirited, someone who didn't take life too seriously, and compared him to a 'bit of a Del Boy' in his charming, entrepreneurial spirit.
Remembering Lee's Character and Contributions
In a heartfelt description, Danny portrayed Lee as:
- Loyal and mad
- Funny and fearless
- Loving and caring
- A nutcase dedicated to helping others
Beyond his work as a plumber, Lee was deeply committed to supporting homeless people in Wolverhampton. He had volunteered with several organisations and even participated in sleepouts to raise awareness and funds for those in need, showcasing his selfless and compassionate nature.
Community Support Through Fundraiser
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to provide financial support for Lee's grieving family. The fundraiser has already garnered more than £6,000 towards its £8,000 target, reflecting the community's desire to honour Lee's memory and assist his children.
A post on the page reads: "This is so important to all of us whose lives Lee made better! He couldn’t even walk into a shop, pub, or room without making everyone smile, laugh, and just be happy. This world now without Lee is going to be so hard for us all, but most importantly, his family and his three beautiful children."
The message continues, urging donations to help fund a trip, holiday, memorial, or whatever the children desire, as a way to give back to a man who would "give his last fiver" to help others. All contributions will go directly to Lee's mother, described as his hero and the best grandmother in the world.
As the Black Country mourns the loss of this vibrant and caring individual, the legacy of Lee Barton's kindness and community spirit continues to inspire those he left behind.
