After a long battle with lung disease, Bobby Barron went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 15th with family by his side. He was born at home May 11, 1938 in New Harmony, Texas, to John S. Barron and Susie Newton Barron. Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 20, at the New Harmony Cemetery on FM 724, Tyler, Texas. Bobby loved the Lord, his family, his country, and southern gospel music. He was proud of his service as a cryptographer for the U.S. Army while serving in Vietnam and was a passionate patriot. Bobby also had a special affection for firefighters, serving with the Dixie Volunteer Fire Department in various capacities including firefighter, safety officer, assistant chief, and chief during his 30 years on the department. When his health no longer allowed an active role, he was on the review board for prospective firefighters. He retired from Kelly-Springfield/Goodyear after 33 years employment. Upon retiring, he joined the Patriot Guard Riders and Welcome Home Soldiers. He loved riding his motorcycle with the PGR to honor our veterans on their way to their final resting place. He also delighted in welcoming veterans home at the Tyler Airport with Welcome Home Soldiers. As long as his health permitted, he and DeLayne enjoyed traveling to concerts by their favorite southern gospel quartets. For 21 years the highlight of their year was a trip to the National Quartet Convention for seven days of almost non-stop southern gospel music, inspiring preaching and wonderful fellowship with artists who became friends over the years. But, one of the biggest joys of his life was singing bass in the Sanctuary Choir and the Senior Adult Choir at New Harmony Baptist Church. Having been a member of New Harmony Baptist Church for over 68 years, he referred to himself as a prenatal Baptist because his mom and dad were faithful members of NHBC before he was born. He was a descendant of John W. Barron, one of the charter members of the church. He was preceded in death by parents John and Susie Barron, brother Grady Barron, sister-in-law Mary Barron, sister Juanita Stanley, nephew Ronald Stanley, and niece Betty Measures. He is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, DeLayne of New Harmony, son Dwayne Barron, Denver, Colorado, son John Barron, New Harmony, granddaughters Briana Barron, Rockwall, Sara Barron Wallace and husband Collin, Tyler, Cheyenne Grey, Tyler, grandson Michael Grey, Tyler, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, along with many friends and a church family that he loved dearly.
Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on Oct. 18, 2018∼Candle Rutledge