Richard Walter Barron

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend Richard Walter Barron passed away on Saturday October 26, 2013, in Tucson Arizona. Richard was born on December 13, 1941 in Oxnard, California to parents Frank Barron and Reatha Green. He was raised in the communities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Upon graduating from Oxnard High School, Richard enlisted in the US Marine Corps, proudly serving his country as a Lance Corporal E-4, serving with Headquarters and Service Company, second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in Vietnam. Richard received numerous decorations and commendations, including the Naval Achievement Medal for his courage in connection with four major combat operations in Muskogee Meadow, Forsythe Grove, and Durham Peak in the Arizona Area of Quang Nam Province. He last served in Kenitra, Morocco in North Africa. Richard was honorably discharge from full duty in 1972 and continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserves at Marine Barracks Naval Base New York.

Soon after leaving the military, Richard met the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Maria J. Barron, while she was on vacation in Port Hueneme. They married on June 25, 1973 in Mexicali, Mexico. The young couple settled in Oxnard and was blessed with two sons; Richard Walter Barron Jr. and Manuel Tony Barron. Family vacations were spent camping, hunting, and enjoying cooking over an open fire. Richard was a jokester, catching everyone off guard with his pranks. One could find Richard always with a camera around his neck, ready to capture special moments. Friday nights were reserved for watching wrestling, eating popcorn and strawberry ice cream. His favorite past-times included playing video games in the “man cave”, training his four-legged friends, and celebrating with the Birch Street neighbors.

Richard retired after 40 years working Security at various business including Procter & Gamble, and Point Mugu Naval Base. Once retired, Richard and Maria moved to Tucson Arizona where he enjoying playing with his grandchildren Cristian, Isabel, Ileana, Manuel, and Richard Michael, singing “You are My Sunshine” to each one, and taking them on excursions to local military bases.

Richard was loving man who “adopted” many young extended family members offering them his gentle hand and guidance while continuing with their studies abroad, helping their journey to young adulthood.

Richard is proceeded in death by his parents, siblings Frank, Tony, Virgina, and Adelina and is survived by his wife Maria J. Barron, sons Richard (Mayra) Barron, Manuel (Brittany) Barron, 4 grandchildren, siblings Ned, John, Nancy, Rosemary, Rita, and Josie, and numerous nieces and nephews, and family friends.

We want to thank our family and friends for their condolences and prayers, and to the physicians, nurses and staff of Southern Arizona Veteran’s Affairs Hospital for the loving care and treatment of our husband and father.