Vice chairman of Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport Authority dies

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Dennis “Denny” Barron, vice chairman of the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport Authority, died Friday, airport officials said.

Barron was 68.

“Mr. Barron was appreciated by many for his reliable contributions to our airport authority,” airport Manager Neil Doran said in a news release. “Denny was passionate about the potential of our airport. His experience and the depth of knowledge he contributed to our airport team won’t easily be replaced.”

The airport saluted Barron’s work to advance and improve the Civil Air Patrol squadrons in Martinsburg and across the state.

He formerly served as commander of the Martinsburg Composite Squadron, West Virginia wing commander and vice commander of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Barron was serving as director of cadet programs for the West Virginia wing at the time of his death.

Barron, who held various state and federal government positions in his professional career, achieved the rank of colonel while in the Civil Air Patrol, according to his obituary.

“Colonel Barron’s leadership is responsible for hundreds of kids going on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, and responsible for countless number of children’s love of flying over the decades of his involvement,” according to a statement from airport officials.

Barron also served on the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation board for about 25 years, according to his obituary.

“Denny was tireless in his contributions to the airport, but even more to his family and friends,” said John Laub, chairman of the airport authority board. “I knew Denny mostly from working with him at the airport, and always found him to be honest, frank and reliable.”

A celebration-of-life service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Airborne Church at 172 Creative Place in Martinsburg. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.