John W. Girton, 71, formerly of Chalmers, a retired Sears Roebuck and Co. employee, died Sunday, of an apparent heart attack, in the emergency room at White County Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Girton was assistant mgr. at Sears in Monticello for 33 years and retired in 1977 from the Sears Store in Logansport.

He was born July 31, 1915, in Michigan City. He lived in Chalmers before moving to Monticello.

Mr. Girton was a member of the Chalmers Community Church. He also belonged to the 1007 Lodge 197 and Moose Lodge 906, both in Monticello.

He was married in October, 1960, in Chalmers, to Thelma Ruth Banes. She preceded him in death Oct. 21, 1980.

Surviving are a son, Philip Girton of Delphi; one daughter, Mrs. Lloyd (Nancy) Cripe, also of Delphi. Five stepsons, Robert L. Banes of Phoenix, AZ, Stanley E. and Paul L. Banes, both of Monticello, Donald E. Banes of Chalmers and George W. Banes of Frankfort. A half sister, Beverly Perrin of Dyer, and two brothers, Warren Girton of Kokomo and Charles Girton of Huntington. He had 25 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

One brother preceded him in death.

Funeral services are 2 p.m. today at the Chalmers Community Church with Rev. Loren Shuman officiating. Burial will be in the Chalmers Community Cemetery.

Hartzler Funeral Home of Brookston is in charge of the services.