William Lebaron

William Joseph LeBaron, age 88, died February 27, 2019, in Grand Junction, CO, following several years of declining mental health. William was born in Lock Haven, PA, on January 16, 1931, to William and Mary (Wetzel) LeBaron. He graduated from Immanuel Missionary High School in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1950. After returning to Lock Haven, he served the Pennsylvania National Guard in an artillery unit. He later went on to attend Frankfort Pilgrim College in Frankfort, IN. While in Frankfort, he owned LeBaron Radio Service, specializing in the repair of radios and TV sets. He started flying lessons in 1957 and went on to own an Ercoupe with his brother, John. In 1969, William moved along with his parents to Fruita, CO. His deep love was all things communications and electronics. Although he was self-taught, he was instrumental in getting radio and TV into the Grand Valley. At the time of his retirement, he was an electronics technician for KREX-TV in Grand Junction. While driving through Fruita on I-70, you could always spot his house because of the tall ham radio towers. His call sign was W0MTK. Aviation also was a love of his. Even in later years when he couldn’t remember much, he could still recall facts about the airplanes that were manufactured by Piper in his home town of Lock Haven. William is survived by his brother John W. LeBaron (Linda) of Westfield, IN, niece Susan LeBaron of Westfield, IN, niece Johnna Shaferly (Dennis) of Findlay, OH, and nephew Timothy LeBaron (Erika) of Manassas, VA. A graveside service is planned at the Elmwood Cemetery in Fruita, CO, on April 20, 2019, at 10:00 AM. The family wished to express a heartfelt thanks to neighbors, Ernie and Regina Valencia, and all the staff at The Willows and Hope West, for their loving care and support for our beloved brother and uncle Bill.