Dates
RD Barron, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 25, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Abilene, Texas, on January 21, 1938, to Clyde and Gladys Barron. The Barron family moved to San Angelo in 1940 and then to their family farm, located three miles east of Wall, in 1941. RD worked alongside his family, raising cotton and milo, and developed a deep love for the land that lasted throughout his life. However, the severe drought of the 1950s made a lasting impression on him.
RD attended Wall schools, where he served as president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). At that time, Wall did not have a senior high school, so he moved in with his aunt in San Angelo to finish his high school education, graduating from San Angelo High School in 1956. He then attended Tarleton College (1956-1957), followed by San Angelo College, where he studied until 1960.
In 1958, RD met the love of his life, Mary Dell Eubank. The two were inseparable, and their love story began at a Dairy Queen. RD often said that meeting Mary Dell was the best thing that ever happened to him. The couple married in 1960, and they continued to celebrate their love at Dairy Queen for many years. Together, they built a life full of love, hard work, and shared memories.
While attending college, RD worked as a plumber’s helper and eventually took on leadership of the crew he worked with. By 1962, he earned his Master Plumbing license and founded Barron Plumbing, which remains a family business to this day, now operated by his son, Kevin. Over the years, RD became a respected leader in his industry, serving as president of both the San Angelo Plumbers Association and the Home Builders Association of San Angelo. He was also a director of the Home Builders Association for many years.
In 1975, RD built and owned Alamo Village Apartments, managing the property for 43 years before selling it in 2018. Additionally, he was a successful partner in the oil and gas business, contributing to several ventures over the years.
RD was an active member of Southland Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and usher for more than 40 years. He and his family joined the church in 1980 after sponsoring it for several years. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he deeply valued his church community.
A lover of the outdoors, RD enjoyed fishing (which he often mentioned more than once), hunting, and sports—especially football, basketball, and baseball. He also loved ranching on his property between Christoval and Eldorado. His passion for animals, particularly “good” dogs, was well-known—he often spoke fondly of his loyal companions: Freckles, Charlie, Jethro, Magnum, Lady, Duke, and Jake (and, in fact, mentioned them before his boys).
RD was also a familiar face at the Monday morning breakfast group at the bowling alley, where he cherished his time with friends.
RD was a devoted father to two sons, Rick (Paula) and Kevin (Lisa), whom he always considered “great guys.” He took immense pride in his grandchildren: Tyler Barron (Desiree), Madison Barron, Kanyn Barron, Miah Pullen (Ronnie), Coltyn Wagnon (Briana), Miriam Wagnon, Jessie Lloyd, and Sawyer Lloyd. He was especially proud of his four great-grandchildren: Leah, Rollins, Kit, and Will.
RD also had the privilege of working closely with a dedicated and loyal secretary, Heather Wilson, who was a true asset to both him and the family business.
RD was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde (1990) and Gladys (1983); his brother, Clyde Jr. (1990); his sister, Doris (2022); and his brother, Weldon (2024).
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Dell; his sons, Rick (Paula) Barron and Kevin (Lisa) Barron; daughter-in-law Michelle Barron; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many cherished friends from all walks of life—whether through fishing, hunting, sports, church, or his many business ventures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, faith, and love for his family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, December 30, 2024 at Southland Baptist Church. The burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers for the service will be Tyler Barron, Randy Barron, John McCabe, Darrell Eubank, Glenn Eubank, Donnie Lee, Coltyn Wagnon and Zach Bronkhorst. The Honorary Pallbearers for the Service will be Johnny Duncan, Joe Henderson, Gus Alexander, Ted Hume, Gail Flood, James Herbert, Norvell Holveck, Phil Cates, Ron Partusch, Billy Wegner, Tommy Neal, Bob Hicks, Gilbert Gonzales, Joe Favor, James Maedgen, Denver Marsh and Hayden Hatfield.
The family requests that donations may be made to the Elias Garcia Go Fund Me fund, or Water For All International.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at