Lonnie Harrison Barron

Lonnie Harrison Barron, age 75, died on March 16, 2012 in Fayetteville surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Springdale. Barron was an educator and coach in the Mena and Polk County area for 35 years. In 1969, he became head football coach at Mena, and over 16 seasons compiled a 93-65-7 record highlighted by winning the 1976 Arkansas AA State Championship as well as five District Championships. The Bearcat Stadium Fieldhouse was named in his honor in 2006. In 1985, Barron retired from coaching and became a teacher and administrator at Rich Mountain Community College in Mena. From 1988-1994, Barron served as Superintendent of Schools at Mena. He was elected to the city council of Johnson, Ark. in 2006 and served as the 10th mayor of the city from 2007-2011. He is survived by his wife, Jane Ellison Barron of Johnson; son, John David Barron and wife, Heather Barron of Fayetteville; son, Mark Barron of Johnson and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Christian Education Fund of the First Presbyterian Church in Springdale. Online condolences may be made to www.siscofuneral.com.