Gary L. Barry, 69, of Washington, passed away at 10:56 a.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Gary was born on March 24, 1942 in Peoria to Albert and Helen Wright Barry. He married Patsy Ong who preceded him in death in California.
Among those surviving are two brothers, Ron (Sandy) Barry and Rick Barry, both of Washington; four loving nieces and nephew, Todd Barry, Kim Wade, Elizabeth Heider and Emily Barry.
He had been an English teacher for more than 35 years in Mission Viejo, California prior to his retirement. After retiring from teaching, Gary attend Chef School, for one of his loves was cooking.
Gary had been in the Peace Corps from 1964-1966 serving in Ethiopia. He was a graduate of Washington Community High School and Bradley University.
Gary was a member of Crossroads Methodist Church in Washington, where he spent time doing various volunteer opportunity’s for the church. He also volunteered for the Cancer Society, driving patients to their appointments when necessary.
He also loved to play golf, followed the Bradley Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. Having been to Italy once, he loved that country and had wanted to return to visit again.
Funeral services for Gary will be on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Crossroads Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Goodell offficiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.
Memorials may be made to either Multiple Sclerosis or the American Cancer Society.