Ernest Fredrick Baron, Sr., 70, of Whitefield, passed away on Aug. 22 at Maine Medical Center in Portland with his family by his side.
He was born in Gardiner on June 4, 1937, the son of George R. Sr., and Sylvia Beckwith Baron. He attended Gardiner High School.
He served in the Marine Corps during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was honorably discharged, receiving a Good Conduct Medal.
Ernie was a member of the Randolph United Methodist Church, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks 964 in Augusta, and the Teamsters Union local 340.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great friend to everyone he met. He was the type of person who was an encourager, reassuring the nurses who cared for him no matter how much pain he was in. He bragged about his family to everyone and enjoyed telling stories of his youth in Randolph. He was an avid sportsman and loved hockey, football and baseball.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, and brothers, George (Bud) R. Baron Jr., Jack Baron, and Devon Baron.
He leaves his wife of 49 years, Elaine Vigue Baron; children, Kim Newman and husband Mike of Minnesota, Tina Tarbox and husband David of Richmond, Ernie Baron, Jr. and wife Jenney of Pittston, Scott Baron and wife Anita of Richmond, Craig Baron and wife Danielle of Pittston, and Todd Baron and wife Denice of Belgrade; sister, Sheila Miller and husband Rex of Ohio; brother, Mike Baron and wife Rovena of Newcastle; grandchildren, Shellie Buckmore, Lindsay Tarbox, Shannon Crocker, Allison Tarbox, Amanda Tarbox, Nick Baron, Marissa Baron, Sophia Baron, and Paisley Baron; great-grandchildren, Emma and Ethan Buckmore; step-grandchildren, Katrena, Samantha, and Cynthia; sister-in-law, Marilyn Condon and husband Bill of Winthrop; his beloved dog, Brandy; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation 2-4 p.m., Sun., Aug. 26 with an Elks Memorial Service at 3 p.m., and 5-7 p.m., Mon., Aug. 27 at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.
Funeral services 2 p.m., Tues., Aug. 28 at the Randolph United Methodist Church with a committal service immediately following at Maple Grove Extension Cemetery in Randolph with full military honors. Following the service, a gathering will be held at the Randolph United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernie’s memory to the American Cancer Society, One Main St., Ste 300, Topsham, ME 04086.