WINNIE, Texas — The Southeast Texas community is remembering the life and legacy of a longtime Winnie flea market owner.
Larry Barron of Larry's Old Time Trade Days died on Dec. 17, 2023, according to a Facebook post.
Larry's Old Time Trade Days is a monthly flea market that is held the weekend after the first Monday of every month. It is located at Exit 829 on IH-10 in Winnie.
Friends of Larry Barron tell 12News, he was all about promoting Chambers County, whether it be encouraging vendors to come from all over the state to sell their handmade goods or mentoring kids to stay away from drugs.
He really loved his community.
"Good friend. he had an infectious personality and he'll be greatly missed. I mean the best way to sum this up is we've all kind of been emotionally blindsided by this," said longtime friend, Thomas Strandlie.
Larry and Brenda Barron purchased the market in February 2005. The flea market can accommodate over 500 vendors with indoor, under cover and outdoor spaces, according to the website.
Larry Barron's vision was to bring people from all over Texas and Louisiana into Winnie to trade antiques, wood carvings, jewelry, food, clothing, furniture and more.
"He did a good job of it, of bringing in vendors from all over the state, and even out of state," said longtime friend, Wade Thibodeaux. "Just kind of made them on the weekend and they would sell them out at Larry's and their business flourished and now they're actually making a living selling those."
Larry Barron was an excellent business man and master marketer who was able to get thousands of people every month to come and shop with over 500 local vendors.
"I mean they stay in our hotels eat in our restaurants as well as out there at the vendors and stuff like that. So, he is bringing a very economic impact to our county. I always call Larry team Chambers County cause he was always promoting Chambers County," said longtime friend, Chambers County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jimmy Gore.
Larry Barron was a member of the Optimist International Club in Winnie, which is dedicated to bringing out the best in youth.
Every Wednesday, Larry Barron would have lunch with other members to discuss how to keep kids away from drugs.
"It's a drug prevention class that we put on here at East Chambers ISD for the 4th graders, local businessmen such as that," Gore said.
Wednesday, Dec. 20 was the first meeting at Tia Juanita's Fish Camp since he passed, but members are keeping his legacy alive.
"Larry was a treasured member of the community for sure. This was his meeting that he had originally arranged. This is the movers and shakers of Winnie," Strandlie said.
From business, to mentorship and friendship, Larry Barron's legacy is long lasting.
"What he's done in this community to bring a light to this county will live on forever," Gore said.
Caleena Hannon is in charge of advertising for the Larry's Old Time Trade Day's official Facebook page and also has a shop at the show.
"He was one of the best men on this planet and will be missed beyond measure," she said in a Facebook post.
Hannon tells 12News she's worked with the Barron's for almost 10 years.
"Please let Mrs. Brenda have some peace during this time," Hannon said in the post.
A trade days is still happening during the month of January because "Mr. Larry wouldn't want it any other way."
Brenda Barron tells 12News her husband's legacy is his market, which will open back up on Jan. 5, 2024.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.