Stephen Ross Barron

Stephen R. Barron, age 77, of Versailles, passed away June 8, 2026, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born in Kansas City, MO, on July 23, 1948, son of Jim and Dottie (Landon) Barron. He was united in marriage to Rita Ehlers, daughter of Walter and Renata (Fischer) Ehlers, on September 8, 1973, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Versailles. Steve’s early childhood years were spent in Kansas City, where his father worked for the Western Auto company. The family moved to Versailles in the 1950’s, where they operated a local Western Auto franchise store for over 30 years. Steve graduated with the Versailles High School Class of 1966, and later earned an Associate’s degree from State Fair College. He worked for over 25 years in a managerial role at Wal-Mart, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment. He was a well-known member of the Versailles community, with service on the Royal Theatre Board and the Children’s House Board. Steve enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Versailles and living near the quiet side of the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed lake time and creek time with his family, and operated a SCUBA diving recovery service for many years. He had a love of flying airplanes, having earned his pilot’s license as a teenager and continued flying into his late 60’s. He had a passion for researching sunken steamboats on the Missouri River. He enjoyed traveling to warmer environments such as the Gulf and Hawaii, RV camping, hunting, and fishing. He had a particular knack for restoring old houses and he used his skill to provide affordable housing as a rental landlord for over 25 years. His greatest joy was watching his family grow and mature. Steve served his country for 4 years in the United States Navy on board the USS Hermitage, based out of Norfolk, VA, with service in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1972. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Rita Barron of Versailles; three children, Kevin Barron of Jefferson City, Eric (Brie) Barron of Jefferson City, Jennifer (Tim) Avey of Versailles; five grandchildren, Dakota and Dustyn Barron, Landon and Sylvia Barron, June Avey; two step-grandchildren, Nicholas and Brianna Avey; two great-grandchildren, Maci Barron, Parker Thomas; one brother, John (Marilyn) Barron of Perry, one sister-in-law, Joyce (Donald) Marriott of Stover; one brother-in-law, Norbert Schuermann of Troy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Judith Schuermann, and one great-granddaughter, Charley May Barron. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 14th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles with Barry Grider officiating. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Royal Theatre. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Stephen Ross Barron

July 23, 1948 - June 8, 2026

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Stephen Ross Barron

July 23, 1948 - June 8, 2026

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

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