Alphonsus L. "Red" Barron, age 93 of Millbury, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2014, surrounded
by his loving family and special friends at Otterbein Portage Valley. He was born on May 24, 1920, in
Erie, MI (the youngest of 11) to Eurick and Victoria Barron. He was preceded in death by his parents and
10 siblings.
Red proudly served as a Sgt. 1st class in the Army Air Corp, assigned to the South Pacific during WWII.
He was blessed to have been able to participate in the Honor Flight of NWO in May 2012.
Red was a successful, self-made man, spending most of his career in the mortgage banking industry. He was
a founding father of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Northwest Ohio, and served as its president for
several years. The highlight of his career was to own and operate his family business "The Red
Barron Agency", for 5 years. In addition to mortgage and lending, Red was a realtor, appraiser,
insurance agent, a lay minister, and an instructor in continuing education classes at UT, BGSU, and the
Dana Corporation.
He was an active member of the Erie Fire Department, where he served as President, in addition he was a
member of the Erie VFW, Erie Rotary Club, Toledo Kiwanis Club, Realtors Assoc,. and was also one the
founding fathers of Otterbein Portage Valley. He served on the original board of directors procuring the
land and funding for OPV.
Red led a very faithful life as a devout Christian serving in many capacities at First Congregational
Church of Toledo. Because of his love for his Lord Jesus Christ, he became a Lay minister and filled the
pulpit in many area churches throughout the years. He also coached girls’ softball in Millbury each
summer for many seasons.
Red’s greatest love was for his family and especially his four grandchildren-his pride and joy. He
followed their sports and activities, showing great pride in all of their many accomplishments. Even in
his later years, Red enjoyed music participating every Friday with a singing group at OPV. He played the
guitar and found great joy playing and singing with friends and family.
Surviving Red are his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Gerri (Belch) Barron; daughters, Cheryl of Toledo,
Kimberly (Ron) Thornsberry of Louisville, KY., and Margene (Randy) Akenberger of Lake Twp.;
granddaughters, Aubry (fianc?© Kyle Brown) and Rilee Akenberger; grandsons, Cole and Caan Thornsberry.
He also leaves behind his beloved four legged friend Chancey.
Friends will be received on Sunday, April 13, 2014, from 2-8pm in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home 701 N.
Main St. Walbridge (419-666-3121) where the Erie Fire Department will conduct services at 7:00 P.M.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 14, 2014, in First Congregation Church 2315 Collingwood
Blvd. Toledo, Ohio 43620 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in Lake Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the "Wounded Warrior Project"
or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the love and support given by the caring staff
at Portage Valley.
Thoughts and prayers to the family may be made at www.witzlershank.com.
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