Raymond "Ray" C. Barron, age 85, of 5550 CR 420 21st Road, Gladstone, MI died Friday evening September 23, 2005 at St. Mary's Catholic Hospital in Green Bay, WI following a brief illness.

Ray was born June 19, 1920 in Escanaba the son of Raymond Sr. and Jennie (Martell) Barron. Ray was raised on the family farm in Flat Rock where he attended grade school and was a 1937 graduate of Escanaba High School. On October 4, 1940 he was united in marriage to Blanche Robar in Detroit, MI. While in Detroit he worked as an aircraft welder for the War Defense Plant. He served his country in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre during WWII and was awarded The Purple Heart Medal.

Following the war Ray and Blanche returned to Gladstone where they raised their family and Ray worked for Mead Paper Company for over 30 years. He also had owned and operated Barron Bottled Gas.

He was a member of Holy Family Church in Flat Rock, the Holy Family Smear League and Local IBEW #979. Ray was an excellent handyman, skilled carpenter and enjoyed restoring antique cars and motor homes. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, loved hunting and square dancing.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Blanche, he is also survived by:

2 Sons: Tom Barron of Paulsbo, WA; Terry (Patti) Barron of Gladstone

2 Daughters: Sandra (Al) Gareau of Flat Rock; Judy (Mike) LaFleur of Gladstone

1 Brother: Dick (Mary Anne) Barron of Escanaba

9 Grandchildren: Michael (Jan) Gareau of Holland, MI; Jeffrey Gareau of Macomb Twp, MI; Heidi (Izzy) Chouinard of Livonia, MI; Michelle (Mitch) Taylor of Gladstone; Kristy LaFleur of Ft. Myer, FL, Tim LaFleur of Gladstone; Jacob Barron of Paulsbo, WA; Racheal Barron of Paulsbo, WA and Trista Barron of Escanaba.

5 Great Grandchildren: Mitchell, Sarah and Jacob Gareau, Hunter Taylor and Brendin Venneman.

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Ray was also preceded in death by:

1 Brother: Loren Barron

3 Sisters: Genevieve McFadden, Geraldine Germain and Marie Oseen.

Ray's family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00 P.M. to 5:45 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Gladstone American Legion Post #71 Military rites will be held at 5:45 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Raymond C. Barron will he held on Thursday at 11:00 A.M. at the Holy Family Church in Flat Rock with Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells Township.