Barry Reader

To encapsulate the life of Barry Reader is a fool's game, as his story was beautifully captured in every tale he told. When he was half-leaning in, folding his hands while shifting his warm gaze from his hands to his listener, he cast a spell that drew everyone toward him. The same story could be told a million times, but it wouldn't matter because his ability to capture a moment was what made it fascinating. Those stories and Barry's mere presence conveyed love, patience, humor, and a generosity that was seen throughout his words and way of life, even until his very last breath, as he had preemptively given of himself to save two others through organ donation. Barry Alan Reader was born on December 27, 1957, in Ottawa, Illinois, to his two devoted parents, Whynoma and Noel Reader, and was surrounded by family as he left to be with them once again on September 15, 2025, at the age of 67.

Barry grew up in a loving home with his two sisters, Barbara and Beverly. While stories of his youth included destroying quilted family heirlooms and pelting his younger sister with snowballs all the way to school, he became a man whom many would depend on and trust. He attended St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, earning a degree in Industrial and Chemical Engineering, and spent decades doing fascinating work at Plymouth Tube, Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company, and PPG - work that he truly enjoyed and was proud to teach others. Throughout his childhood, college years, and career, and because of his character and genuine interest in people, Barry formed friendships that would last a lifetime and extend across the country.

It is his same tenacity and passion for life that helped him win over the love of his life, Karen, with whom he was with for more than 29 years; throughout all those years, he made sure she was never without her fresh flowers. Never. The two married at Disney World in 1996 and continued to share every day and experience together. Karen and Barry spent their days boating, listening to music-especially Barry's favorites like Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and the like-spoiling their adorable Shetland sheepdogs, and taking walks in tree-filled parks. Later in life, Barry loved nothing more than spending weekends driving Karen around the countryside, stopping to shop, pick out new plants for the porch, or visiting the pumpkin fields. No life is without struggle, but together, they walked hand in hand, finding joy in everything.

To those who called him uncle, he was an icon-a beacon of curiosity and mischief. "Ah, it will be alright" was often followed by an opposite expression. He was someone who craved new adventures for his group of young ones and somehow always made them happen- even a failed adventure was a successful, memorable one. Like pulling a nephew or two behind a four-wheeler in the snow with Roman candles was anything but safe, but it created a core memory. And while he was the classic epitome of a favorite uncle, he was most importantly a cradle of comfort and wisdom-an understanding listener, a giver of solid advice, and a calm encourager when everything seemed to be falling apart.

Barry lived a beautiful life encapsulated by the people he loved and was loved by along the way. And we are all great witnesses to the man who always felt like he could help more when he had given everything. For he truly embodied the love described in 1 Corinthians and reflected the devotion conveyed by one of his favorites, "When mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me" (Thank You, Led Zeppelin II).

Barry is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Karen, and their precious Shetland sheepdog, Ellie, who never left his side. He is also survived by his caring sister, Beverly Duesterheft, and her husband, Paul Sr.; his brother-in-law, Darrell Clark; and his sister-in-law, Diana Hill, and her husband, Bob. He will be forever missed by his many nieces and nephews, Paul Jr. and Holly Duesterheft (Annarose and Franz Reader); Noel and Lisa Duesterheft (Finn and Milo); Ruth and Julian Duesterheft; Jacob Clark and Sujung Cho; Darcy Clark (Jacob); Mark Clark (Sebastian and Alex); Chris Clark; Ashley and Caleb Sayles (Addie and Kylie); Cody Hill. Barry is preceded in death by his parents, Whynoma and Noel Reader, and his sister, Barbara Clark.

The celebration of Barry's life and visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stodghill Funeral Home, 500 East Park Street, Fort Branch, Indiana.

A burial service will be held in his hometown, Ottawa, Illinois, at a later date.