Barry Craig Howard

Barry C. Howard, 77 of Bartonville passed away at 6:35 a.m. Tuesday March 14, 2017 at Unity Point Methodist after a long battle with heart illness. He was born on June 12, 1939 in Augusta, IL, the son of Paul and Edna Berry Howard. He married Shirley J. Burton on April 8, 1957.

Barry is survived by his loving daughter, Stephanie (Joseph) Howard-Gallo; three grandchildren, Mason Gallo, Ian Gallo, and Renae (Chris) Ballard; one great-grandchild, C.J. Ballard; and one sister, Paula (Ron) Douglas of Longmont, CO. He is also survived by his step-daughter, Kristan and his nephews and nieces, Jimmy, Kathy, Debbie, Ronda, Renee, Greg, Brad, Chris, Cara and W.B.

He is preceded by his parents; his son, Lawrence Craig Howard; and his sister, Fonda Strebel. He missed his son, his best friend, every day.

Barry graduated from Augusta High School in 1957. While, there, it soon became clear that Barry was more than a talented pitcher. He had professional potential. Before he graduated, he had offers from the St. Louis Cardinals, the Milwaukee Braves, and the New York Yankees. He signed with the Yankees in the spring of 1957.

He attended Illinois Central College, Illinois State University, and Bradley University. He began working for Keystone in 1961 and was the General Superintendent when he retired in 1997.

Barry enjoyed motorcycle riding, a wide array of music, tennis, beach vacations, reading, baseball, and even skydived once. He was a member of the Hanna City Sportsman Club, Legion post #979, and Mason’s Lodge # 464.

Barry spent the last months of his illness, at his home under 24 hour tender care and compassion from his care team of five: his daughter, the mother of his children, Karen Kear, Lisa Merlo, and Sharon Brown. Being able to be at home during his illness was a true blessing to him.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be at 2:00 pm Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. His nephew, Chris Smith will officiate. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at Sky Harbor, his home away from home.

Burial will be at a later date in Scott’s Cemetery next to his son, Lawrence.

Memorials may be made to Scott’s Church in Plymouth, IL.

To view Barry’s memorial page or to leave an online condolence please go to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com