Richard Baron (46) of St. Elmo

Richard Baron, 46, of St. Elmo, IL was struck by a train and killed on August 24, 2023 in St. Elmo.

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Richard was born on August 18, 1977 in Streator, Illinois to Janice (Stahl) and Heriberto Baron. He had a tumultuous childhood, the effects of which were ever present. He married Hope Bertiaux in December of 1998 gaining several family members in the process. After the dissolution of his first marriage, he was then married to Kimberly Waltrip on June 8, 2004 and proudly became the son of Steve and Joan Waltrip as well as a beloved brother, cousin, and nephew to many. Richard was employed at Graham Packaging in Vandalia until the recession in 2008. He graduated from Lake Land College in 2011. Richard was a network and system administrator until October 2022 when he left full-time work to become a stay-at-home dad to his youngest child, Wellsie. He especially took great pride in the latter. Richard had many well-developed skills and hobbies. Some of his many interests were benching, quilting, chess, day trips to Chicago, DnD, photography, smoking meats, labor law, cyber security, card magic, calligraphy, true crime, 1A auditing and complaining about pets that he brought home while also trying to bring more pets home. He beamed with pride talking about his children. Nothing made him prouder than recounting the compliments he had gotten on them through the years. He loved watching movies, especially low-grade horror, Tarantino, and Coen Brothers. He always brought music. Lately he was listening to a lot of old country, blue grass, and outlaw country, but he loved songs from every genre. He felt an instant bond to anyone listening to TOOL.

Richard is survived by his parents; partner, Kimberly; children, Elissa (Brayden) Caswell, Jacob Baron, Elena Watrip (Jaxson Tish), Cameron (Lindzy) Gipson, Gabriella, William, and Wellsie Baron; brothers, Jason (Melanie), and Andres Baron, and Michael, Alberto, and Danny Sunday, and was eagerly awaiting his first grandchild in March.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Melissa; son, Joshua; brother, Elliott; and brothers-in-law, Joe and Jeremy Bertiaux.