Matthew Lance Barton Jr., 74, of Oil City, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at UPMC Hamot. 

Born in the East Falls area of Philadelphia on April 7, 1951, he was the son of Matthew L. Barton Sr. and Vivian E. Harris. Lance attended catholic school and graduated from Germantown High School in Philadelphia and attended Wilberforce University and went on to work for the City of Philadelphia helping troubled youth; He also spent time working for Abraxas and Vision Quest. He had a deep commitment to helping children and walking with them through difficult times in their lives.

Most recently, Lance worked at Sanders Market and then Goodwill.

Lance will always be remembered for his unforgettable laugh, sense of humor and his social conscious attitude.

He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Lance dearly loved his dog, Boss, and treasured the time they spent walking together along the riverfront. Staying active was important to him; he enjoyed working out and could often be found at the gym-sometimes twice a day-because taking care of his body mattered deeply to him. He was instrumental in helping his brothers get activated to work out on a regular basis. Lance also coached his brother to become a Kickboxing Star. He also loved cooking and was happiest in the kitchen, especially when making hot cakes with his grandchildren while jazz music played in the background. Above all, his daughters were his world and his greatest source of pride and joy.

Surviving are his children; Tulani Sledge, Jessica Ludy and her significant Aanik Jones, Lacey Shaw, Aalayah "booboo bear" Shaw , Zakara Cynn Newton and Stephanie Sloss; grandchildren, Mega Ruiz, Legend Ruiz, Justice Ludy and her significant other Dashawn Deeter, Cartier Ludy, Jamari Barton, Jaeda Barton, Journee Conway, Joshua Conway, Kilia Harris and Kamdyn Reagle; siblings, Brad Barton and Gary Barton; cousin, Toodles; nieces and nephew, Crystal, Daloa, Amiel, Karahn, Ashli and Apryl and numerous other family members in the Philly and Jersey area. Additionally surviving are his close friends, Denise McBride, Yogi Johnson, Paul "Red" Law and Joshua Delp.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Phyllis, his Aunt Shirley, his longtime partner and friend, Linda Shaw and a grandson, Calvin C. "June" Ludy Jr.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 W. Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. Tuesday.

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. 

The family asks that memorial donations be made directly to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses. Please visit Lance's obituary page at huffguthrie.com and click on donate now.