Barry Neal Sears

Barry N. Sears, 65, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, October 27, 2025, after touching many lives and leaving a lasting footprint in the world.
Barry was known as a man to depend on; someone who would listen or lend a hand when needed. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and the world around him, believing that you should give back whenever you can.
Born in New Albany, Indiana, to parents Judith and Carl Sears, Barry graduated from Floyd Central High School in 1978 with a dream to become a sports broadcaster. He worked for a radio station in Bowling Green, Kentucky, throughout the 1980s while taking classes at Western Kentucky University and loved to tell stories of his time there. He eventually decided to pursue a career in paralegal services and received his associate's degree from Sullivan University in 1992. He's a past president of the Kentucky Paralegal Association (2000-01) and received the Founder's Award in 2003. He's been a Rotary Club Member since 2023. His current workplace, Frost Brown Todd, knew him as a dedicated litigation support specialist since 2004.
While he had many accomplishments throughout his life, his most important was being a father. He prioritized his children Jessica (29), Mark (20), and late-stepdaughter Lauren above anything else. Barry never missed a game or play and fully immersed himself in whatever his children were doing. He married his love, Denise Sears in 2010, sharing a beautiful life for 15 years. His mother knew him as a devoted son, who was always there when she needed him.
Barry's passing was unexpected, but his family finds comfort knowing he didn't suffer and continues to find solace in his memories. He loved sports (and had quite the collection of hats and jerseys!), especially baseball - he was happily involved in the Pee Wee Reese Chapter of SABR. Barry was also a history buff, especially with all things Civil War and loved to read as many books as he could about his favorite subjects. He loved telling stories, playing games, spending as much time as possible with his loved ones, and wrangling the two family dogs, Callie and Teddy.
Barry is survived by his children, Jessica Sears (Ian) and Mark Sears; his devoted wife, Denise Sears; his mother, Judith Sears (Carl); his brother Scott Sears (Kathy); his Aunt Kay Schaffer (Al); and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Carl Sears and his stepdaughter Lauren Dapice.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Lauren's Kisebere Foundation (www.lkcfuganda.org), a nonprofit he founded in 2018 in memory of his late-stepdaughter to support children in Uganda, or to New Beginnings Nondenominational Church (www.nbc4u.net), where he was a proud member, pastor, and singer in the choir. He also loved supporting SOS International, the nonprofit led by his wife Denise, where he developed his interest and commitment to serving children overseas.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Ratterman Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road, St. Matthews. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the funeral home.
Sweetheart, Dad, Son, Brother - we know this isn't goodbye and that you'll always be with us.