Lt. Col. David V. Baron, USA, Ret., 83, of Grand Haven, formerly of Zeeland, Michigan, died Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
David was born in Zeeland to William and Ruth (Van Dyke) Baron on March 14, 1940. Dave was raised in Zeeland and graduated from Zeeland High School in 1958. After graduating from Western Michigan University ROTC Program he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His twenty-five-year ordinance career in the U.S. Army lasted until 1988, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel David Van Dyke Baron. His service started in 1964 at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, the 8th Infantry in Germany, Viet Nam, Professor of Military Science at the University of Detroit, U.S. Embassy in Cambodia. Saudi Arabia, Fort Ord 7th ID, the Pentagon, South Korea, and TACOM. David was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service Medal, in addition to many other medals/honors during his military career. During his military career, David also completed his Master’s Degree. His second career was in administration. Dave worked for Teledyne, the State of Michigan Property Management, State of Michigan Pensions, and finally as the second-ever City Manager of Zeeland from 1997 until his retirement in 2001.
Dave married his wife Gaye in 1963. They raised their two daughters during his military career, different military assignments, and finally Zeeland. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gaye, their children: Jennifer (Michka) Bailey, and Kate Baron; his sister Mary (Ron) Albrecht, his brother Steve (Cindy) Baron, and many extended family and friends.
A funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Visitation will be 4:00 – 6:00 PM Friday, also at Yntema Funeral Home. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Please make donations in memory of David to the Alzheimer’s Association.
