It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Reverend Canon Bruce Erie LeBarron, who died on August 19, 2023 in Salina, Kansas. He was born in Jamestown, New York, on February 9, 1930, to Erie H. LeBarron and Coralyn A. LeBarron (nee Remington).
He was preceded in death by his wife Lilith A. Harding whom he married on June 30, 1956, in Glens Falls, New York.
Father LeBarron had a long career in the Episcopal Church, laterally as an assistant priest at Christ Church Cathedral in Salina, assistant organist also at Christ Church Cathedral, an assisting priest for the Diocese of Western Kansas, church organist at St. John’s Military School Chapel, and chaplain at Presbyterian Manor, Salina.
He is survived by his son Gregory LeBarron of McCordsville, IN; daughters Elizabeth LeBarron of Rockville, MD, and Sarah (Sally) Simmons of Lincolnshire England, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as numerous friends who will miss him dearly.
Father LeBarron’s hobbies included building replica pipe organ pneumatic percussion instruments (such as snare drum, and crash cymbal) and renovating and playing pipe organs. When he lived in Connecticut, he created a small silent picture “palace” in the garage of the house where he lived with his family. There, he accompanied the films on an organ he had rebuilt. He also enjoyed model railroading having an elaborate layout in his home. He also enjoyed the company of his many Golden Retrievers.
A Memorial of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Episcopal Christ Cathedral Church located on South 8th Street in Salina, KS. In lieu of flowers, please donate directly to The Christ Cathedral Operating Fund or the Kansas Wesleyan University Nursing Scholarship in memory of Father Bruce E. LeBarron.
The family would like to thank everyone at Reflections Retirement Resort, Hospice Salina, Salina Regional Health Center and Ryan Mortuary for their help and kindness by going above and beyond caring for their father.