Barry Dana McCrum

Mars Hill - Barry Dana McCrum, beloved husband, father, "Bappy," brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Barry was born on April 26, 1950, in Mars Hill, Maine, as the eldest of Dana and Arlene (York) McCrum's four children. He spent his early years on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance.
Barry graduated from Central Aroostook High School in 1968 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly following in his father's footsteps. He served aboard the USS Valley Forge during the Vietnam War in 1969 and later deployed to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, working as a meteorologist in 1970.
After his service, Barry attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he formed a lifelong friendship with fellow veteran Joe Tinkham. He earned a Bachelor's degree in political science and business in 1976.
While on leave from the Navy in 1971, Barry met Beverly Jo Kneeland. They married on June 26, 1976, and enjoyed nearly 50 years together. They raised two children, Courtney and Kyle, and their family grew to include seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Barry had a successful career in the telecommunications industry, serving on numerous professional boards and organizations. He was deeply committed to Aroostook County, spending much of his life advocating for the region and building strong relationships with governors, senators, and members of Congress to support economic development.
Outside of work, Barry found joy with family and friends at his camp on Number Nine Lake. His proudest achievements included his service as a veteran and his role as a devoted "Bappy" to his grandchildren.
Barry was predeceased by his parents, Dana and Arlene McCrum, his father-in-law, Paul Kneeland, and close friends Gary Pierce and Joe Tinkham. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly McCrum; his mother-in-law, Amy Jane Kneeland; his siblings and their spouses: Jay and Sue McCrum, David and Patti McCrum, and Bob and Jill Lunney, all of Mars Hill; and his sisters-in-law and their spouses, Ron and Paula Gehl of New Durham, New Hampshire, and Kenny and Jill Mihelich of Ridgway, Colorado. Barry's legacy lives on through his children: daughter Courtney Couture and her husband, Frank, of Mars Hill, and son Kyle McCrum and his wife, Renee, of Farmington, New Hampshire. He will be greatly missed by his beloved grandchildren: Amelyia, Malachai, Millie, Nettie, Maxwell, Molly, Callum, and great-granddaughters Azalea and Luna.
He also held deep affection for his nieces and nephews: Todd and Jennifer Hedrich, Darell and Erica McCrum, Wade and Angela McCrum, Nick and Bobbi McCrum, Fred and Rachel Whited, Ethan and Megan Birmingham, Jason and Morgan Gallagher, Jon and Stevi McCrum, Jason and Mikala Woollard, Ben and Sarah Ellis, Kirsten Gehl, and Alexander Gehl.
Barry cherished the companionship of many close friends, including Rodney Mahan, Ed Miller, Bob Murphy, Fran Casey, and Blair Tinkham.
A memorial service will be held at Pierce Cemetery in Mars Hill on May 25 at 1:00 PM, followed by a reception at Wade and Angela McCrum's barn, located at 25 East Blaine Road, Mars Hill. All family and friends are welcome. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana and Arlene McCrum Memorial Scholarship or a charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home 8 Main St., Mars Hill, ME 04758. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.duncan-graves.com