Barry Lee Mixon I

Barry Lee Mixon, better known as “Cubby Bear” or “Cuda” was born to the late Vernon Fields Sr. and the late Murdes (Mixon) Gilbert on December 19, 1940 in Columbus, Ohio.

Barry was raised in the American tradition and his life was one filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine love for those around him.

Barry attended East High School where he played right guard and became All-City in 1958. After graduating from East, Barry enlisted into the Unites States Navy.

Barry worked various jobs. He worked for his father, Fields Brothers Landscaping, Ohio Malleable Iron, Western Electric (where he met his wife), Columbia Gas and Kroger’s Bakery.

On July 6, 1974, Barry married the love of his life, Shirley (Smith) Mixon and he was the proud father of Shawna Young, Sher’Ron Coleman and Barry Lee Mixon II. Over 49 years, Barry also helped raise 3 nieces, Lakeisha, Crystal Smith and Kalyca Barbour. He was a proud Godfather to Robin Jeffers and foster father to Minister D’Eborah Chapman.

Beyond his passion for sports (Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes), Barry enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, barbequing, and sitting around with family and friends. Barry was also a member of the 3B Sportsman’s Club.

Barry is preceded in death by his father, Vernon Fields Sr.(Rita); mother Murdes (Mixon) Gilbert; loving daughter, Sher’Ron (Mixon) Coleman; sister, Marva Sutton; father-in-law, St. Elmo; mother-in-law, Mary Smith; brothers-in-law, Michael Smith and Elmer Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory, wife of 49 years, Shirley (Smith) Mixon; son, Barry L. Mixon II; daughters, Shawna Young, LaKeisha Vance, Kalyca Barbou, Crystal Smith; Goddaughter, Robin Jeffers; foster daughter, Minister D’Eborah Chapman; grandchildren, Alisa, Aris, Tamia, Kara, Shia, Jeremiah; great-grandchildren, Jadia and Aris Jr.; brothers, Weldon (Brenda), Vernon Jr. (Regina), Stan (Karen), Alan (Theresa) Fields, Wayne Mixon; sisters, Deborah (Rickie) Bolden, Rosalyn Mixon and Merelene Coulter; brother and sisters in love, Kenneth (Jennifer) Smith, Gloria and Minister Pam Smith; uncles, Carl (Jean), Charles Fields; sisters, Katie and Irene; special friends, Jean Wallace and family, Marsha Morgan Family, Bolden Family, Bopes and Bo, Miller Family and a host, host, host of nieces, cousins, nephews and close friends. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The Funeral Service will be held at Wesley Church of Hope United Methodist, 2935 Bulen Ave., Columbus, OH 43207 on September 1, 2023, at 11:00 am, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. The burial will then take place at Glen Rest Memorial Estates, 8029 W. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 with military honors.