Don Barron

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Barron: husband, father, grandfather & friend. Born 16 September 1939 in Wichita Falls, TX, he departed this life on 11 January 2024, after a hard-fought battle recovering from a stroke 5 years ago.
The son of D.C. & Macil Barron, Don was the middle child of three kids. He would marry Gloria Kay Cannon on 5 December 1959, and they would welcome a son just a few short years later. When Shawn was just a young boy, Don moved his family to Arlington, TX in order to take a job as a firefighter with the City of Fort Worth. He served the community for 27 years, retiring the rank of Lieutenant. In 1970, Don & Gloria welcomed their second child, a girl named Shea.
Settling into life in Arlington, Don would go on to make lifelong friends with neighbors and fellow church members at Tate Springs Baptist Church. He was active in both of his kid’s sports, running carpool to practices, games and camps when needed. Once grandkids arrived, he enjoyed NOT having to do all those things, and could simply cheer from the stands.
Don was the consummate joker, known to pull off some pretty questionable pranks. A lifelong lover of Dr. Pepper, he took up golf and Texas Hold ‘Em poker during retirement, and made numerous trips with friends to Winstar Casino. His ‘first love’, however, was cars; he could attend car shows for days and watch Mecam Auto Auctions on TV for hours, sipping a Dr. Pepper.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia (Pat) Ferguson, and is survived by his brother, Ronnie Barron & his wife Loretta, of Wichita Falls, TX. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years (Gloria), a son (Shawn), daughter and son-in-law (Shea & Ray Sears), along with grandchildren Brandon Barron (Natalie), and twins Beryn & Beck Sears. He is also survived by many beloved family members, including nieces, nephews, cousins and a whole host of friends who were like family.
A special thank you to all of the medical professionals who cared for him along the way: Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Techs, Aides, EMTs, and fellow Firefighters. The compassion, dignity and respect you always showed him will forever be marked on our hearts.
To all of the family, friends and neighbors who tirelessly offered all of your heart & all of your time during the various hospital and rehab stays…THANK YOU!
To his two angels-on-earth, Lisa & Gina….words don’t even seem adequate. Papa loved you beyond measure, as we know you did him. We are forever grateful to you both, especially for loving and supporting Mom as you cared for him during his final days.
Our deepest admiration to our Mom, who has faithfully taken care of him from the beginning of this long journey. Her devotion to “for better or worse, in sickness and in health” has been the epitome of honoring the marriage vow she took so long ago. Thank you, Mom. We know Dad didn’t want it any other way than you to have you right there by his side.
We are incredibly grateful for the time we’ve had with him—for the lessons learned and for the laughter AND tears. We have been inspired by the grit and determination he had on the path back to recovery. Dad was a fighter, and he gave it his all.
May all who knew and loved him cherish the fond memories of a life well lived! **Service will be held on 20 January 2024, 2p, at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington, TX**