Author: Theresa Rose

Ronald James Barron, 88, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly New London, died Saturday, February 12, 2022 at his home in Mt. Pleasant.  He was born in New York on March 29, 1933 to James and Grace Parisi Barron.  He was a graduate of Port Richmond High School in New York.  Upon graduating high school he entered the service.  Ron was a hydraulic specialist in the Navy during the Korean Conflict and in his four years in the Navy he did “the world tour”.   His pastor suggested he go to a little college in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa called Iowa Wesleyan and Fred Strothman picked him up at the train station. He graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a degree in chemistry. One day while walking across campus, Ida Hoover saw him and said “I’m going to marry that man”.  And she did on June 14, 1957; she died March 14, 2019.

Ron was a member of New London VFW Post #7641 and the Burge Cemetery Association where he was president for many years. He enjoyed puzzles, old westerns, yardwork and time spent with his grandchildren.  He was a great athlete and played softball and also coached his children’s ball teams.

He was a chemist who worked at the IAAP in Middletown.  He then established his own business “Barron Environmental Services” and worked for the city of New London in that capacity for many years.

Survivors include his children, Scott (Sharon) Barron of Mt. Pleasant, Nicky (Scott) Boughton and Shane (Susan) Barron both of New London; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister Lillian (Lloyd) Sloan of Forked River, New Jersey.  Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy Angelite, sisters Grace and Dawn, and brothers John and James.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with inurnment at Burge Cemetery, New London.  A memorial has been established for New London VFW Post #7641.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Carole Lauger, 78, of Swedesburg died Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the Henry County Health Center.  Funeral Services are pending at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel.

On Wednesday February 9, 2022 James Burton Spurgeon, 85, of New London went home to be with the Lord. He was surrounded by family. He was born in rural Northern Missouri on April 13, 1936, the fifth of seven children to Raymond and Delpha Horn Spurgeon.
James served in the Airforce from April 3rd 1956 to November 5th 1959 stationed at Hickman Airforce Base in Hawaii. He was an aviation mechanic and ended his career as an Airman 1st class.
On June 17th 1961 he married Patricia Huggins in Centerville, Iowa; she died July 25, 2020.
He was employed as a mechanic at the Davis County School bus barn. After a move to the New London area he started employment at the IAAP, then was offered to join Leaseway Transportation as a mechanic and branch manager. When Leaseway Transportation moved to Minnesota he returned to IAAP and retired from there.
He enjoyed playing cards at the VFW, working on small engines and large farm equipment, and getting caught up on local gossip at the Jet Stop breakfast club. His favorite activity was handing out popsicles to his great grandchildren and he loved spending time with his family.
Survivors include his children, Belinda Conner of New London, Debra (Bob) Thomas of Illinois, and Jeffrey Spurgeon of New London; three grandchildren Whitney (Chris) Amburn and Cody Conner both of New London, and Peyton (Evelynn) Thomas of Colorado; seven great grandchildren Zander, Ryker, Trinity, and Scarlett Amburn, Blake and Finley Conner, and Calvin Thomas; one brother Ronald Spurgeon of Wilton, Iowa; one sister Beverly (John) Gillaspie of Williamsburg, Iowa; nieces, nephews, and brothers-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years; granddaughter Sarah Conner; great- granddaughter Gracelyn Amburn; brothers Verlin and Lowell; and sisters Lois McCormick and Roma Spurgeon.
According to his wishes his body has been cremated and arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London. A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.