Lewiston Morning Tribune – May 11, 1937
M. LEBARON PASSES ON 92ND BIRTHDAY
Venerable Clarkston Pioneer With Distinction of Long Married Life and Masonic Membership is Called.
Marshall A. LeBaron, Clarkston pioneer whose membership of 66 years in the Masonic Lodge is reputed the longest west of the Mississippi River and who would have celebrated his 6oth wedding anniversary May 30, died on his 92nd birthday yesterday morning at 4 o’clock at St. Joseph’s hospital where he had been a medical patient four days. He had been in excellent health until last Thursday when he fell on Sycamore Street, causing infection in the hip.
Besides holding distinction of his long Masonic membership, he and Mrs. LeBaron were reputed to have been married the longest of any couple in Asotin county. Last summer, state Masonic officials recognized his long membership by awarding him a certificate for having been a Mason 50 years, this being the highest which could be given. Until last week, he attended meetings regularly of the Clarkston lodge.
The birthday and wedding anniversaries of Mr. LeBaron had been the occasion for annual observances with parties by friends and relatives for the last 10 years. A score of neighbors, relatives and friends had arranged for an elaborate party to celebrate his birthday yesterday.
Moved Here In 1925.
Born at Saline Mich., he married Mary Elizabeth Clark and they emigrated to Cavendish, Idaho, in 1904 where he engaged in farming. He had operated ranches in middle western states before coming here. He moved to Clarkston to retire in 1925, making his home at 817 Seventh street.
Surviving besides the widow are seven children, William S., Denver, Colo.; Benjamin C., Jefferson City, Mo.; Ray and Frank, Cavendish, Miss Carrie LeBaron, who resides at the family home here; Mrs. E. A. Armstrong, Lapwai; Mrs. Reed Klapp, Rathdrum, Idaho; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock at Merchant’s chapel, the Rev. Calvin Barkow, Lewiston, officiating. Interment will be at the Cavendish cemetery. Officials request members of the Clarkston Masonic lodge No. 143, F. & A.M., to meet at the Masonic temple at 9:30 to assist in conducting the rites.
Transcribed by Jo Frederiksen, 2014