John Douglas Bartleson, Jr.

Known affectionately by his friends, neighbors, fellow Lodge brothers, and servicemen as “Bart” CWO 4 John Douglas Bartleson Jr, USN Retired, age 80 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 12th. He is survived by his wife Kay, daughter’s Ann, Pat and Lori, son’s John and Mike, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Born in Ft. Myers, FL. John was an avid outdoorsman and Eagle Scout in his youth. Preferring fishing, swimming, and camping to book work, he enlisted in the Navy in 1954 as a diver and Mineman before transferring to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). He married his high school sweet heart Judith Ann Corbitt in June 1956 who preceded him in death. During his 30 year career, Bart made several contributions to the EOD community, authoring a 60 Series Civil Ordnance EOD publication, participating in the clearance of ordnance from the Suez Canal, serving as the first Navy EOD Exchange Office to the British EOD Scholl, and obtaining recognition as Navy’s Master Blaster for having the longest consecutive EOD service. He is a Plank Owner of EODGRP 2, Ft. Story, VA where he retired in December 1984.
John enjoyed many hobbies and interests; he served as a Boy Scout Leader in Indian Head, MD., designed and built furniture, served as the Navy EOD Association Historian, and contributed to the Artilleryman Magazine to name a few. He married Kay Addison of Ft. Myers, FL in August 1990, and was an active member in his church. John was raised a Master Mason in Perseverance, MD Lodge# 208 in 1962 and became an active and faithful brother of the VA. Lodge Willis V. Fentress# 296 in 1984 until his death.
He will be greatly missed by his family, neighbors, community, lodge brothers and service members. His memorial service will be held Sat., Oct. 29th at 3p.m. at Willis Fentress Lodge, 6060 Providence Rd., VA. Beach, VA 23464. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Willis V. Fentress Scholarship fund at the above address.