Barry F Conover

Pastor Barry F. Conover, 82, of Hayesville, was called home to his Lord and Savior Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. He was a native of Bethlehem, Pa. Barry began a career with Bethlehem Steel in the Industrial Engineering Department. He worked the next 23 years until retiring in 1987 as a rate setter. In his late 50's Barry returned to school and graduated from Concordia University as a Certified Lutheran Lay Minister. Following graduation, he received a call and became pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Otto, N.C. He also filled in at various churches over the years. He was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church and was attending Oak Forest United Methodist Church. Barry enjoyed the outdoors; sailing, camping and fishing.
He was the son of the late Robert William and Josephine Kresge Conover. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Conover Jr. and Donald Conover Sr.
Surviving is his loving wife, Jackie Conover, of Hayesville; one daughter, Linda Forstoffer, of Bethlehem; two sons, John "J.C." Conover and wife, Kris, of Bethlehem, Jim Toteno and wife, Holly, of Ghent, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and his beloved standard poodle, Willie.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in memory of Pastor Barry F. Conover to Oak Forest United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 152, Hayesville, N.C. 28904 or Resurrection Lutheran Church at: resurrectionlutheran22@gmail.com or REACH of Clay County, P.O. Box 1485, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville: iviefuneralhome.com is in charge of all arrangements.