Michael Lee "Mike" Baron

Michael "Mike" Lee Baron, 73, of Wheeling, WV, died Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Wheeling Hospital.
He was born December 27, 1950, son of the late Robert Eugene and Shirley May Ault Baron.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joey Baron; and three brothers, David, Keith and Bill Baron.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathy McCullough Baron; daughters, Michelle (Eric) Thorngate and Crystal (Junior) Morrison; five grandchildren, Jonathon (Kate Czahoroski) Sayre, Cody Thorngate, Breanna Sayre, Kearstin Smith and Khendal Morrison; a brother, Bob Baron; and several nieces and nephews.
Mike was employed as a mill worker at the Blaw-Knox Foundry in Wheeling, WV. He was a dedicated employee who worked there from 1971 until the foundry closed in 1993. He was devastated when the foundry closed its doors. Although the work wasn't easy and it was extremely hot in there, he enjoyed every minute of working there.
Mike was a loving and devoted husband to Kathy. They would have been celebrating 53 years of marriage in August. Even after all that time, there was no doubt that he loved her just as much as the first day he saw her. He loved seeing her smile so he was constantly teasing her. As a father and grandfather, his love knew no boundaries. He was completely devoted and dedicated to his children and grandchildren. There was never any doubt about how he felt about them. He shared an unbreakable bond with his brothers. We were told that when you saw one of the Baron boys, the other brothers weren't too far behind. He was heartbroken at the loss of his brothers, but the loss of his brother Keith was extremely hard for him. Anytime he spoke of him, he would fight back tears. He and his brother Bob grew even closer over the last few years, and they could be found having breakfast together almost daily. His friends and neighbors would call his friendship unwavering. If they needed a helping hand, they could count on him. A few of his neighbors shared with us that they would wake up after a snowstorm to find their driveways plowed or branches removed from their yards after a windy thunderstorm. This was not surprising to us at all. Over the years, we've watched him help his friends install a pool, build a deck, or remodel a room and never expected anything in return. He was known as a "Jack of all trades" because there wasn't a job or project he couldn't do.
Mike had a holly jolly personality and let very few things bring him down. He was a walking ray of sunshine, well for the most part (we'll leave those little details out). He absolutely loved working outside in the sunshine. He was an early riser, who didn't sit still. Working in his yard, mowing his grass, and planting flowers were a few of his favorite things. We are positive that Lowe's loved him for his daily purchases. He was there almost every day buying flowers from the clearance selection. If he couldn't find a place to put them in his own yard, then his daughters would end up with his "second chance" flowers. If he wasn't working outdoors, you could find him on his boat. He absolutely loved fishing. He would fish for hours and sometimes not catch anything. He didn't care though. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. He would get the biggest kick out of catching a fish that might be the same size as a minnow, which is evident in the picture shared in this obituary.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 3-9 PM at the Valley Grove Community Center, 8566 National Rd., Valley Grove, WV 26060.
Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St., Wheeling (304-242-2311).