Philip Barrons

Philip Barrons age 86, of Royal Oak, Michigan passed away on May 9, 2026. Born in East Lansing Michigan, Phil was the son of Keith Converse Barrons and Delphine Brooks Barrons. He graduated from Midland High School, Alma College and Wayne State University and went on to an esteemed career as a Professor of Humanities/Film Studies at Macomb County Community College for forty-seven years. Phil was a loving husband to Gerry and father to Greg and Molly and grandfather to Scott. He was a man of deep kindness and conviction who loved reading, writing, movies, tea and theater. Phil was a lifelong caregiver and educator. As Professor Emeritus of Humanities/Film Studies, he served as a beloved institution for thousands of students over the course of his career. So well-traveled and worldly yet entirely rooted, grounded, and confident. Phil passionately served as tour guide and manager for his college's annual sojourn to London and the surrounding English countryside. Phil was an endless fountain of wit, improvised sounds, and recycled Monty Python gags. Often seen seated in partial shade with tea in hand and book by his side; Or dressed for a Welsh pheasant shoot, gripping an empty pipe and shouldering a ceremonial walking cane. Like his mother, he loved cooking and yearly traditions. Was a lover of animals, and like his father, attempted to speak to many by saying, "Hey chip, hey bird" Like both parents, he sought the embrace of the garden and tended his gardens with care he gave to all of those around him. Though some would say he was a collector, he was even more a gatherer of useful things, and an endless life-hacker and DIY enthusiast. Quite often he made himself laugh so hard he'd resemble a Hanna-Barbera cartoon character for long moments while attempting to explain his joke. Ever a man of community, he enjoyed associations, collaborations, and work all the way till the end. Whether it was his group of fellow professors, "The Royal Society Warren Annex", from way back when or the Ludington Writers Group, he was a strong pillar to lean on. The happiness Phil provided and enjoyed in life was a testament to his worth. He built a kingdom and smiled upon it for many years. He is truly irreplaceable, absolutely singular, and his loss will continue to remind us all to be kinder, stronger, and sillier. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gerry Barrons; his children, Greg and Molly Barrons, his grandchild, Scott Barrons; and his siblings, Bill Barrons and Dave Barrons. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Jane Moore and Barbara Ismael. His life will be celebrated daily by those who knew and loved him and in private celebrations of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Phil's memory to Macomb College Scholarship Fund at www.macomb.edu/give and designate " in honor of Philip Barrons" or to the Ludington Writers at www.ludingtonwriters.org . Please share a story of Phil or leave a tribute at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Philip Barrons

January 23, 1940 - May 9, 2026