Alphonsus L. "Red" Barron, age 93, of Millbury, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2014, surrounded by his loving family and special friends at Otterbein Portage Valley. He was born on May 24, 1920, in Erie, MI (the youngest of 11) to Eurick and Victoria Barron. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings. Red proudly served as a Sgt. 1st class in the Army Air Corps, assigned to the South Pacific during WWII. He was blessed to have been able to participate in the Honor Flight of NWO in May 2012. Red was a successful, self-made man, spending most of his career in the mortgage banking industry. He was a founding father of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Northwest Ohio, and served as its president for several years. The highlight of his career was to own and operate his family business "The Red Barron Agency" for 5 years. In addition to mortgage and lending, Red was a realtor, appraiser, insurance agent, a lay minister, and an instructor in continuing education classes at UT, BGSU, and the Dana Corporation. He was an active member of the Erie Fire Department, where he served as President, in addition he was a member of the Erie VFW, Erie Rotary Club, Toledo Kiwanis Club, Realtors Assoc,. and was also one the founding fathers of Otterbein Portage Valley. He served on the original board of directors procuring the land and funding for OPV. Red led a very faithful life as a devout Christian serving in many capacities at First Congregational Church of Toledo. Because of his love for his Lord Jesus Christ, he became a Lay minister and filled the pulpit in many area churches throughout the years. He also coached girls' softball in Millbury each summer for many seasons. Red's greatest love was for his family and especially his four grandchildren, his pride and joy. He followed their sports and activities, showing great pride in all of their many accomplishments. Even in his later years, Red enjoyed music participating every Friday with a singing group at OPV. He played the guitar and found great joy playing and singing with friends and family. Surviving Red is his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Gerri (Belch) Barron; daughters, Cheryl of Toledo, Kimberly (Ron) Thornsberry of Louisville, KY, and Margene (Randy) Akenberger of Lake Twp.; granddaughters, Aubry (fiancé, Kyle Brown) and Rilee Akenberger; grandsons, Cole and Caan Thornsberry. He also leaves behind his beloved four legged friend, Chancey. Friends will be received on Sunday, April 13, 2014, from 2-8 p.m. in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home 701 N. Main St. Walbridge (419-666-3121) where the Erie Fire Department will conduct services at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 14, 2014, in First Congregation Church 2315 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, Ohio 43620 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the "Wounded Warrior Project" or a charity of the donor's choice . The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the love and support given by the caring staff at Portage Valley. Thoughts and prayers to the family may be made at www.witzlershank.com