Paul Dean Barry, 88, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Carroll County Memorial Hospital in Carrollton, Missouri, with family by his side on Saturday, February 7, 2015. He was born on July 20, 1926 in Russellville, Missouri, a son of Charles Dorsey and Grace P. (Agee) Barry. He attended small country schools in rural California, Missouri and graduated from California High School, in California, Missouri. He attended college in St. Louis, Missouri earning an electrical and refrigeration degree. On April 13, 1952, in California, Missouri he was united in marriage to Norma Katherine Gerlach. Paul and Norma were blessed with 62 years of marriage and raised three daughters and one son. He owned and operated one of the longest living independent GE dealerships in the Midwest. He started this business in Carrollton, Missouri in 1954 and the business continues to serve the community today. Paul served in the United States Army during World War II. While in the service he received many decorations and citations which include a Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal Japan, and two Overseas Bars. Paul was a worthy member of many boards, lodges and clubs, including Wakenda Masonic Lodge #52 as Worshipful Master, Carroll County Shrine Club, Ararat Shrine Temple, VFW Pence-Lovell England Post #1773, past President of Carrollton Chamber of Commerce where he received the President's Distinguished Service Award, Carrollton Kiwanis Club, where he once served as President and received the George F. Hixson and Walter Zeller fellowship awards along with sixty-four years of perfect attendance as a Kiwanian. Paul served on the Winding River Girl Scout Council. He was a former volunteer fireman for the Carrollton Fire Department. He served forty-plus years on the Carroll County Savings and Loan as a board member and was on the Board of Directors at Carroll County Memorial Hospital. He was a very loyal member of the Carrollton United Methodist Church. Paul loved to fish and be outdoors with nature surrounding him. He loved his family dearly and the community in which he lived and operated his electrical and appliance business. He was dearly respected and loved by all who knew him and will be missed greatly. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Norma; three daughters, Paula Barry, Susan Stark and her husband Keith, Nancy Schmidt and her husband Robert, a son Randall Barry and his wife Piper; three brothers, Richard Barry, John Barry, and James Barry; one sister, Emily Stout; seven grandchildren, Sarah Bledsoe and her husband Patrick, Kelly Sanders and her husband Marcus, Samantha Barry, Jackson Barry, Payton Barry, Sally Schmidt, and Ruby Schmidt; four great-grandchildren, Julia Bledsoe, Olivia Bledsoe, Trent Sanders, and Jenna Sanders. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Harold Barry. Paul's wishes were to be cremated. A private family memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Carrollton United Methodist Church in Carrollton, Missouri, with Reverend Anselm Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to the Carrollton United Methodist Church or Carroll County Memorial Hospital in memory of Mr. Paul Barry. They may be left at or mailed to Foster Funeral Chapels, 201 S. Main, Carrollton, Missouri. 64633. Condolences may be sent to the family via Foster Funeral Chapels website at www.fosterfuneralchapels.com and clicking on the obituaries link, or connect with the family on our Facebook page: Foster Family Funeral Chapels and Cremation Services, LLC. Family and friends may continue to sign Paul's book through the week of February 9-13 at the funeral home.
Published in Kansas City Star on Feb. 10, 2015