NORMAN BAREA – CLASS OF 1956

NORMAN BAREA – CLASS OF 1956

Barea, Dr. Norman I, of Battle Creek, Michigan

1935 – 2020

Longtime area educator Norman I Barea, 58, died Sunday, December 9, 1990 after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Detroit and came to Battle Creek in 1956.  He had been employed by the Kalamazoo Public Schools and taught physical education at Edison Elementary School before he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia.  He was discharged six months later as a first lieutenant.  He then was a member of the Army reserves and held the rank of Captain for 8 years.

He then joined the Harper Creek School District in Battle Creek and worked there for 10 years.  He was a physical education and science instructor at Harper Creek High School where he was head football and basketball coach. 

He received his masters degree in education in 1958 from Western Michigan University and was appointed guidance director and athletic director at Harper Creek High School.  He also later was the first principal of Wattles Park Junior High School. 

He later became principal of Paw Paw in 1967.  He then took the position of administrative assistant to the president of Kellogg Community College.  He also was the college’s chief negotiator.

In 1974, he became principal of Springfield Middle School, a position held until his retirement in 1987.

He received a specialist in education degree from Western Michigan University in 1966.  He also received his doctorate in education in 1973 from Lawrence University in Sarasota, Florida.

He was a former member of the Battle Creek Jaycees, a charter member of the Harper Creek Optimist Club, a member of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.  He was also a member of numerous education associations.

He received a Kellogg Foundation award for excellence in education.  He was active with the Battle Creek City Recreation Department, especially city league baseball, and played in numerous Stan Musial World Series.  He also won two city batting titles.

He supported the C.O. Brown Stadium project.  He was active at the Battle Creek Y Center and served as a member of its board of directors.  He was also a member of Riverside Country Club.

Surviving are his wife, the former Beverly Howell, a son, Bruce S. Barea of Battle Creek; a daughter, Cheryl R. Barea of Lansing; and a sister, Rita Bienkowski of Mount Clemons.