Richard Lee Barron

1949 - 2016

Richard Lee Barron was born on Jan. 13, 1949 in Monroe. He was the son of the late Robert Wilkins and the late Marion Card. Following the death of his father, Richard was adopted by his uncle and aunt, James and Reah Barron. He attended Monroe High School.
Richard shared his home with the former Vicki Cooley for more than 39 years. The couple was married on Oct. 20, 1984. Richard worked hard to provide for his family. For 16 years, Richard was employed as a truck driver for the Amendt Milling Company. He then went to work for the Operating Engineers Local 324 from 1998 until 2005, from where he would take a medical retirement.
Richard was a wonderful father. He could be tough; his children joked that they thought he liked to yell, but he was always loving and fair. Richard had a great sense of humor, and he loved to make others laugh. Although he could be stubborn and hard-headed, Richard was a great friend and a loyal confidant.
He enjoyed collecting ducks, building classic model cars and trucks, golf, and was an avid NASCAR fan, cheering on the number 18, M&M car, Kyle Busch. Richard also loved to bowl at Nortel Lanes and had shared his own passion for the game by being a coach.
Richard, age 67, of Monroe passed away at home on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. He had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice.
His passing was preceded by father, Robert Wilkins; adoptive father, James Barron; mother, Marion Bijarro; stepfather, Manuel Bijarro; brothers: Ray Bijarro, Jesse Bijarro, and B.J. Bijarro; and his angels, Skysin Houston and Baby Cooley.
To cherish his memory Richard leaves a beloved wife, Vicki, of Monroe; five children: Tabitha Barron (Don Simmons) of Harrison, Jeremy (Nickie) Houston of Belleville, Shawn (Sarah) Cooley, Tory Barron, and Makayla Barron, all of Monroe; adoptive mother, Reah Barron Kohler of Monroe; many brothers and sisters; and seven grandchildren: Brianna (Sarai) Vasquez, Leah Simmons, Issac Simmons, Marcus Houston, Kaleb Houston, Bryce Cooley, and Landon Cooley.
Friends may gather 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 N. Monroe (734) 384-5185. A celebration of his life will follow at 7 p.m., also at Merkle's, with Steve Reese officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Youth Bowling.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.