Jack Joseph Barron
Jack Joseph Barron, 74, Johnston, died unexpectedly on Dec. 31, 2023, at UnityPoint Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines. Visitation was Jan. 5 at Iles Westover Chapel. A rosary and vigil service followed. A Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 6 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Urbandale. Interment at Glendale Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Jack was born on Sept. 11, 1949, in Oak Park, Illinois, to parents, Frank and Bernice (Hewelt) Barron. He graduated from Lake Park High School, Medinah, Illinois, then continued his education at Drake University, Des Moines, graduating in 1971, with a major in music education. He was an accomplished musician. He began his teaching career as a high school band instructor with Belle Plaine High School. He also worked at Maquekota Valley in Delhi and Harmony High School before retiring from Van Buren County High School in 2010.
He enjoyed playing in many musical groups, including an Irish band, The Lowly Brass, The Tarnished Brass and the West Des Moines Community Band. For 25 years, while living in Ottumwa, he directed the Ottumwa Municipal Band. He enjoyed walking, bike riding and spending time with his family.
On Aug. 11, 1973, he married Cecilia Woolway at the Rose Garden in Des Moines. They raised their two children, Mark and Anne, in Ottumwa and, upon retirement in 2010, they moved to Johnston. Jack was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, where he directed the guitar group at mass. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Jack is survived by his wife, Cecilia; children, Mark (Valerie) Barron of Coralville and Anne Barron of Des Moines; grandson, Jayden Griffin of Des Moines; twin sister, Jill (David) Koerperick; mother-in-law, Janet Woolway; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Rick) Carroll, Joan (Terry) Roberson, Beth (Mike) Benesh and John (Jackie) Woolway, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bernice Barron, and his brother, Steven.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Jack Barron Memorial Scholarship, St. Pius X Catholic School Music Dept. or to Dowling Catholic High School. Arrangements were handled by Iles Westover Chapel.