Allen L. BARRY

Allen Lee Barry

EMDEN - Allen Lee Barry, age 85, of Emden, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at St. John's Hospice, Springfield, IL.

On June 21, 1927, Allen was born in Emden, Illinois, the son of the late William and Lily (Hilgendorf) Barry.

Allen graduated from Elder Grove Grade School and was a member of Hartsburg-Emden's Class of 1945. He served in the Army from 1951 to 1953 and was stationed in Germany with the 432nd Engineering Construction Battalion during the Korean War. Allen and Lula Belle Conrady were married on November 21, 1954 at St. Peter Lutheran Church by Pastor John Detjen.

Allen spent his whole life farming in the Emden, IL area. He ran a corn sheller and hauled livestock and grain for over more than 50 years. He belonged to St. Peter Lutheran Church, where he was baptized in 1927 and confirmed in 1941. He was a member of the Illinois Farmers Union, the ASC Retired Committeeman, the Logan Farm Bureau, American Legion Post 506, Forty & Eight of Lincoln, Illinois Association of Farmers Elected Committee, Hartem FFA Alumni, and served on the Logan County ASC Board for 35 years.

Allen was an avid Hartem Stags fan and seldom missed a ballgame. He never knew a stranger, making instant friends with a warm smile and handshake. There was no dessert he didn't like, and no matter where he was, Grandpa Barry always had time for one more game at the card table.

Allen will be missed by his wife, Lula Belle; three children, Roberta (Ron) Gray of Aviston, IL, Russell Barry of Emden, and Ron (Vanessa) Barry of Emden; four grandchildren, Rebekah (Jason) Gray-Long of Webb City, MO, Robert Gray of Shippensburg, PA, and Alexis and Lillian Barry of Emden; great-grandson, Jace Long; sister, Darline Becker of Emden; sister-in-law Ruth Guill of Watseka, IL; and several nieces and nephews. Including his parents, Allen is preceded in death by two sisters, Judith Barry and Ramona Groves; sister-in-law Analina Coers; and special brothers-in-law, Dean Becker, Edgar Coers, and William Guill.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 1 from 2-5 pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Funeral service will be held at the church on Monday, July 2 at 10:30 am officiated by Rev. Frank Pieper and Rev. John Schurter, with a visitation 30 minutes before the service. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emden Rescue Squad, American Legion Post 506, Hartsburg-Emden F.F.A., St. John's Hospice or St. Peter Lutheran Church.