Barry is survived by his beloved wife Kay (Dolese) Escher; his children Stacey Escher, Barry Charles Escher, Jr. and Nicholas Patrick (Victoria) Escher; and two grandchildren, Danielle Stapler (Michael Chaisson) and Cooper Joseph Escher; and two great-grandchildren, Carter Chaisson and Madden Chaisson. He is also survived by his sister, Gayle Heap and her children, Jerry (Beth) Heap, Jeffrey Heap, Jody (Karen) Heap and Jason (Rochelle) Heap, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Barry is preceded in death by his mother and father, Lucille and Clarence Escher.
Barry graduated from Jesuit High School in 1958. He served in the Army National Guard and attended Loyola University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1964.
He initiated his career at Pan American Life Insurance Company, after which he independently managed and owned several businesses including The Shop and Stop in Metairie and Barry and Dave's Restaurant in Covington. He then commenced a long-term, successful career in Real Estate, having been honored with numerous Top Seller sales achievement awards, including 2022 Commercial Platinum Sales award. In 2009, he was a full partner in Mauti Merridith Scoggin Real Estate until 2019 when he formed Merridith Escher Real Estate, which evolved into Merridith Escher Schroeder Real Estate in 2022, all of which were located in western St. Tammany Parish, and was considered a preeminent commercial leasing specialist on the North Shore.
Barry was known for his sharp wit, his contagious sense of humor, and was a dedicated fan of Notre Dame and LSU football. He was an inspirational and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves a legacy of love for those fortunate to be his family and friend.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Rodney Bourg at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 12:00 PM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM.
Burial will follow the services in St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Gardens Covington, LA under the direction of Grace Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Barry may be made to either Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations may be made at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or https://www.stjude.org/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Escher, Sr. family.
