FRANK J. "FRANKIE" BARRON, Jr., 61, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday evening, May 31, 2008.

Born on June 23, 1946 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Francisco and Natividad (Mendoza) Barron. He was raised in Winfield and educated at Holy Name Catholic School and Winfield High School.

Frankie worked for the Wichita Eagle as a young person and later worked for Dunbar Drilling, Goff & Sons, Coon Construction, Cowley County Developmental Services, Nick's Auto Service, O'Reilly's, and Calmar.

He served as Corporal in the Marine Corp during the Vietnam War for approximately five years. He earned a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious unit citation (gallantry cross medal color with palm), Republic of Vietnam meritorious unit citation (civil actions medal, first class color with palm), National Defense Service Medal and a Presidential unit citation ribbon.

He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church as well as a lifetime member of the VFW, a past member of the American Legion, the Elks and the Special Olympics. He received a Special Olympics Outstanding Volunteer award and a VFW Men's Auxiliary Appreciation award. He enjoyed fishing, softball, bowling, basketball, coaching, reading, working with the mentally handicapped. Frankie had a special love for children.

His family includes:
His mother: Natividad Barron of Winfield;
His brothers: Angel J. Barron and wife, Bel of Winfield, KS; and Roberto "Bob" Barron and wife, Rita of Wichita;
His sisters: Lupe Wells and Esther Delgado, both of Winfield, KS; and
Numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Juanita Barron and Theresa Anthony Dodson and his father, Francisco Barron.

A Celebration of Christian Mass will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. Inurnment will follow at the Veteran's Cemetery in Winfield. The Rosary will be said on Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Barron's name for the Veteran's Administration in Wichita and for the Friends of the Wall in Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.