Raymond Matthew Barson Sr.

Raymond Matthew Barson Sr., 88, residing in Mishawaka, passed away on April 30, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Ernestine M. Raclin House (Hospice) in Mishawaka, IN. He was born September 28, 1936, in South Bend, IN to the late Louis and Velma (Wujcikowski) Barson and remained a lifelong area resident.
Ray and Mary Ann Linner were united in marriage on June 27, 1959. Mary Ann preceded Ray in death on October 24, 2023. He is survived by his three children; Deborah (Michael) Henke of Carol Stream, IL, Karen (Tom) Moore of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Ray (Jayn preceded in death 5/29/2023) Barson of South Bend, IN; eight grandchildren; Matt (Hannah) Henke, Nick Henke, Mitchell (McKenzie) Henke, Sarah (Jared) Dechowitz, Katie Moore, Jack Moore, Alec Barson and Abbey Barson; great grandchild, Hayden Dechowitz as well as his sister, Patricia Baker and his sister-in-law, Mary Linner. His mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Veronica Linner preceded him in death as well as his brothers-in-law, Dale Baker, Frank Linner Sr., and Robert Linner.
Nothing was more important to Ray than his family. He and the love of his life, Mary Ann, enjoyed celebrating and hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and other special occasions with food, laughter, games, and storytelling of the old days. He never passed up an opportunity to attend weddings, for family and friends, showing off his dance moves, including leading everyone on the dance floor at his grandson's wedding last summer.
Ray dedicated his career to helping thousands of people and businesses with their insurance needs. He was a trusted and respected insurance salesman, leading to the success that earned him recognition and many international sales trips. Ray eventually became President of Tower Insurance, until its sale to Teachers Credit Union where he finished his career, just shy of his 50th year in the insurance industry.
Ray was a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington. While always a supporter of the Hoosiers, his true passion was for Notre Dame. An avid fan, he was a regular at Irish Men's and Women's sporting events and proudly wore Notre Dame clothing every chance he could. The love of Notre Dame was passed on to many in Ray's family, and he especially relished watching and attending games with his grandchildren.
Ray was a proud veteran, serving in the United States Navy. That experience nurtured his love of traveling and learning. He enjoyed reading everything from mystery novels to sports magazines, but really immersed himself in biographies. He would revel in telling stories about what he learned when he had a willing family member.
He was a devoted parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church, his faith the cornerstone of his life, a testament to the power of prayer and the enduring strength of belief.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN 46530. Graveside services will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 5pm-7pm Thursday, May 8, 2025 in the Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ray's honor to St. Jude’s Children's Research Center, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Online condolences may be left for the Barson family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
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