Gaylon Rhodes Barham

Gaylon Rhodes Barham, 83 (aka Butch, Clyde, Mr.B) died May 5, 2025 after a long and fulfilling life.  Born February 2, 1942 in Jackson, Tennessee, his family moved to Michigan where he grew up and worked his entire career.  In retirement, he found his spiritual home on earth at his family cottage at Fox Lake, an Historic African American Resort in Angola, IN. 

Gaylon was grateful for each day and awoke every morning with “I’m still here!”  He was intelligent and charismatic with an aura of style and warmth, astute but suffered no fools.  His true nature was solitude. He loved jazz music, Rottweilers, MSU Spartans and Alpha Phi Alpha. He cared deeply for nature and wildlife.  His desire to learn drove all pursuits. Whatever he did, he did wholeheartedly. With an artist’s eye and a passion to create, he excelled in photography, landscaping, stained glass and wood carving. From roller skating as a youth, high school wrestling and track, college track (breaking state and national records), cycling and camping, to daily dog walks in later years, Gaylon was a lifelong athlete. He was a collector of collections with specialties including rocks & minerals, bones & fossils, African masks & statues, pocket knives, watches, coins and anything of sentimental value. 

Butch was one of the Founding Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, Epsilon Xi Chapter of Western Michigan University, 1962. He engaged in the political process and was a life-long advocate for social justice.  He challenged authority with diplomacy or intimidation as needed.  

Mr. B was a special teacher who set a high professional standard, working closely with MSU College of Education. He create an engaging, vibrant, challenging classroom, teaching science, math and reading, and always the appreciation of differences of all kinds. He took his students on overnight biking-camping weekend trips for 19 years.

Following years of a committed partnership, Gaylon and Teresa VanStratt married on October 24, 1992. 

His spiritual energy was strong to the end.  His final weeks were rich with visions and dual realities.  As he began the transition of “separating from his body”, he described people he met and the experiences he had, giving us great insight and connection. It was a beautiful closing to his beautiful life.

Education and Career: Jackson High School;  BA in Education, Western Michigan University; MA in Counseling, Michigan State University; East Lansing Public Schools, 34 years; President, East Lansing Education Association and Board Member, Michigan Education Association for several years.

Gaylon’s had a full love for those who went before him: Ex Rhodes Barham (Father); Sadie Gale Barham (Mother); June Smith, Jacquelyn Duckett (Sisters)

His legacy will be preserved by his surviving family: Loving Wife & Eternal Partner, Teresa VanStratt-Barham; Gary R. Barham (Son), Jackie R. Barham (Daughter-In- Law), Pierce R. Barham (Grandson), McKenzie R. Barham, Brooke R. Barham, Sidney R. Barham, Lauren R. Barham (Granddaughters); Marion (Herc) Hines (Son-in Law), Dawn Hines (“Darling Daughter Dawn”), Kyle and Alex Hines (Grandsons); a large loving extended family, close friends, especially Butch, Edgar, Paull and Louis; and Zulu. Gaylon also dearly loved his canine companions. 

Gaylon’s parting gift is a Celebration on Friday, July 11 at 2:00 PM at the at Fox Lake Boyd Beach Park with music, drums, and soul food picnic. Please bring lawn chairs. For those wishing to make donations, he designated the “Fox Lake Barham Family Tree Project” at foxlakepreservationfoundation.org. 

The soulful harmony Gaylon brought into the world will continue to resonate.  

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