Harmon “Rick” Stover Baran, age 68, passed away surrounded by family on May 30, 2025 at Hospice of Lenawee. Rick was born in Detroit, MI on January 8, 1957 to the late Harmon and Irene (Kiraly) Stover. He was born with a birth defect of his right leg and spent a lot of time between infancy and his teen years at the old Children’s Hospital of Detroit, and Shriners Hospital in Chicago. At the age of 12, he moved to Tecumseh when his mother remarried the late John Baran. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1975 and later went on to earn his nursing degree from Eastern Michigan University. He had a love for people and was a natural caregiver as seen by his jobs ranging from driving the ambulance to working at the former State Hospital. Rick spent the end of his career working on various units at the University of Michigan, a job he was most proud of and told everyone about.
Rick married his former wife, Rebecca (Paisley) Baran, in 1975, and welcomed a daughter, Megan. He then went on to marry Penelope Starr in 1982, and together they shared three children – Heather, Christopher and Alicia. He loved being a dad and could be found coaching his kids’ baseball and softball teams during the summer. He also had a love for Christmas and Detroit sports, always claiming that this was the year they were going to win the championship. Rick’s true passion was music, a love he eagerly shared with his children and grandchildren. His home often echoed the timeless sounds of The Beatles and Bob Seger – artists who became the soundtrack of his life.
Rick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lessons that will be passed down through generations. He is survived by his beloved children – Megan (Neil) Coates, Heather (Don Nacino) Baran, Chris (Kathryn) Baran, and Alicia (Ahmad) Makkaoui; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; sisters – Anita (Patrick) Hoffman, Judy Barta, Peggy (Fred) LeFevbre; brother – Jack (Karen) Barta; former wife – Penelope Starr; and many friends and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Joe Barta and Jim Baran; son-in-law – Justin Thompson; and former wife – Becky Baran.
Visitation will occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Purse & Son Funeral Home in Tecumseh, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with a rosary service starting at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 20, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Parish Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler officiaitng.
Visitation will take place one hour before mass and burial will immediately follow at Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriners Hospital or Hospice of Lenawee.