Harton Bethune was born to the late Morgan Bethune and Queen Hilton on December 23, 1926, in Manning, South Carolina. After a lengthy illness, he transitioned to be with the Lord on July 28, 2024.

Harton received his education in the Baltimore City School System. He became a member of the Armed Services (US Army) in 1946 as a truck driver and served in World War II, receiving a Victory Medal with an honorable discharge. He went on to be employed with Maryland Chemical Company. Harton was very active in church and was ordained as a deacon of Apostle True Foundation Church in 2002, serving under Bishop Verlen Doughty and Pastor Johnnie Miller.

Harton married the late Mildred Bethune, and together, they cared for over 20 children (fostered and adopted) and remained married until her death. In 1999, Harton married Ethel Bethune, whom he loved and cherished until her passing in 2015.

Harton, affectionately known as "Pop", loved helping others, and he did so by volunteering on Tuesdays at the Food Pantry with Life Church Ministries. He also enjoyed spending time with family, especially on holidays. Harton loved music and could be seen listening to his favorite gospel songs or watching a Jimmy Swaggart church service on television. He also was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Bethune, his son, Harton Bethune, Jr., and his daughter, Vera Bethune-Stewart, and leaves to cherish his memory: 3 children: John Brown (Shana), David Brown (Thomasena), Linda Williams (Ulysses); 5 sisters-in-law: Margaret Brown, Fannie White, Annie Allen, Lorraine White, and Clementine White; Nine grandchildren: Dineen Bethune, John Brown (Juli), Kennita Riddick, Louis Brown, Tiffany Livingston (David), David Brown, Jr., Gabriel Brown, Ulysses Williams, IV, and Thomas Brown; 11 Great-grandchildren; Family Friend and caregiver, Joanna Roark; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.