Floyd Barron

LEETONIA - Floyd Eugene Barron departed to his heavenly reward on Saturday, April 22, after a three-year battle with cancer. He lived 68 fulfilling years on Earth before passing peacefully at home.

Floyd is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diann, a daughter Ashley (John) Vogel of Boardman, grandchildren Jax and Palmer, a brother, Jim, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and a niece, Trish, of Louisville, Ky. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Belle, his sister Martha, and several pets.

After Floyd's initial diagnosis in early 2020, his chief goal was to fight as long as possible to create many memories with his grandchildren. Jax and Palmer lovingly called him "Pop", the same name that he called his father. Their core group of eight that included Floyd, Diann, Ashley, John, Jax, Palmer, and John's parents, John and Donna, enjoyed many memorable family dinners, parties, day trips, and excursions to Kraynak's.

Despite his ongoing battle, Floyd took pride in securing his legacy with his loved ones. He squeezed in a family vacation to Disney World, made trips to spend time with Jim - his brother and his best friend - and showered his grandkids with love and gifts.

Floyd was born on Dec. 17, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Mich. He grew up in a small farmhouse in Buchanan, Mich., where he developed a sweet tooth, learned to appreciate the simple things in life, and became an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines. It brings a smile to his family that Floyd watched Michigan beat Ohio State in the final two meetings of his life.

He graduated from Bridgman High School, and he went on to play basketball at Michigan Christian College (now Rochester College). That's where he met, Diann, and they moved to Northeast Ohio together in 1976.

Floyd built a very successful career in insurance and securities in Columbiana County, and he was most recently the owner of Barron & Associates in Salem. He had the gift of creating conversation, and he was able to develop a very loyal client base. Some of his fondest memories were traveling to exciting destinations for business conferences with Diann and Ashley. He continued to work on a part-time basis throughout his cancer battle with the support and assistance of his wife and dear friend Chuck Straub.

Floyd enjoyed watching old movies and college football, and many of his hobbies involved sports. He was a regular participant in area golf outings, and he competed in leagues at Valley Golf Club and Buck Run Golf Course. He seldom turned down an opportunity to squeeze in a quick nine holes, and he took special joy in bonding on courses with Ashley. He also bowled in leagues at several area bowling alleys, and he played in local softball and basketball leagues when he was younger. He had a hole-in-one and several 300 games. He developed many treasured friendships through sports, especially with Chuck, Jack, and Kevin. Floyd's friends can rest assured that now every one of his tee shots is long and straight, and every strike ball hits flush in the pocket.

Diann would like to extend gratitude to her neighbors, the Kiliany and Stouffer families, and the staff at Heartland Christian School for their support during Floyd’s battle.

Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Tuesday, April 25th at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

Family and friends may call from 4pm to 6 PM Tuesday following the services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, material tributes may take the form of donations to the Heartland Christian School Playground, 28 Pittsburgh Street, Columbiana, Ohio 44408.