Ronald Victor Baron Sr., 89, of McCamey passed away on November 16, 2023 in Brownwood, TX. Many knew him by the name his grandkids called him – “Padad”, a name that was chosen as a tribute to his late friend Raymond Cox.
Born October 7, 1934 to Victor Baron and Alma Ezelle Wright, Ronald – or “Ron” – was known for his kind and compassionate nature. He was a generous individual who loved Jesus and always extended a helping hand to those in need. Ron had a friendly and funny personality which endeared him to all who knew him.
Ron was an alumni of McCamey High where he played basketball alongside friends Billy Stokes, Johnny Boggs, Teddy Vaughn and Mack Patterson, to name a few. He attended the annual reunion of his fellow Badgers faithfully. Ron went on to pursue higher education at both Texas A&M and Texas Tech University and was a veteran of World War II.
Ron’s father owned a general store in McCamey and was probably an influence on Ron’s future career in finance. He worked most of his life in banking and insurance in Hurst, Burleson, and Brownwood. As the Vice President of the First National Bank of Burleson in the 80s and 90s he was active in the budget and finance committee of the Chamber of Commerce as well as the local Rotary club.
Throughout his life, Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. He was an active member of the Sportsmen and Freshmen Clubs of Brownwood and local Country Clubs in both Brownwood and Burleson. He participated in many fundraising and community events in Brownwood and Burleson with friends Gordon Wood, Lou Pepper, Presley Berryhill, Richard Duke, Cliff Lopez and Gil Chrane.
Ron loved to cook. He began his lifelong hobby in 1955 serving with the “Chuck Wagon Gang” barbecue association. Over the years, he served various associations and fundraisers cooking in barbecues, hamburger nights, and fish frys, including Burleson’s “Texas Heritage Trail Ride.” In later life, he was known as the “Peanut Brittle Man”, helping to raise money for local churches and Children’s Miracle Network by making and selling his famous peanut brittle. He also faithfully cooked for the residents at Marketplace Apartments in Brownwood, where he lived for over a decade, right up until his passing.
Ron found solace and spiritual guidance in his church. He was a faithful member of Christ Chapel in Brownwood and finally LifePoint Baptist Church in Early. He had much respect for Pastor Leland Acker, who has been a good friend to the family. Ron was the author of “The Scribe”, a collection of poems he wrote over the years over a wide variety of topics. He worked tirelessly over several years to create, illustrate, and publish it alongside his good friend Shirley Haire.
Ron is survived by his two children- Brandy Rose and husband Mike of Blanket, Ron Baron Jr. of North Richland Hills, and Rick Baron of Austin; grandchildren Torii, Rion, Roman and Journey Mills of Brownwood and Keith Baron of Austin; great-grandchildren Simon Carruth, Zephyr and Asher Crooks of Brownwood; nieces Karen Dempsey and Connie Roby of Brownwood, his ex-wife Sheila Isom-Grace, his dear friend Rosemary Phillips of Brownwood, and Terrell Williams – who was like a son to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his former son-in-law Ronnie Mills Jr., his sister Vicki Eddleman and niece Judy Eddleman, numerous friends and family members, and his dear mother-in-law Frances Ainsworth.
He was a good man, a great friend, a faithful servant, a hard worker, a giving father, and a wonderful Padad. He made an impact on those around him, and he will be dearly missed.