Barry L. McDonnell

Born August 19, 1944, Barry entered the world to his parents, Francis Johnson and James McDonnell, and carried forward a life marked by steady work, enduring strength, and a spirit that met each season with courage and purpose.

Barry served one tour in Vietnam in the Army, later serving in the national reserve, a chapter of his life that reflected both bravery and resilience. After his military service, he pursued several careers, where his hard work and dedication showed in the way he showed up day after day, proud to earn his way through honest effort.

Barry was married to Valerie McDonnell, and together they shared a very full life together. He was fortunate to have three children: Christopher R. McDonnell, Clifton S. McDonnell, Bethany Clark, and stepchildren John Crawford, Emily Stefanson, and Richard Rickman.

He also held close his bond with his sister, Susan Murphy, and cherished the joy of several grandchildren, Grant McDonnell, Chance McDonnell, and Sophia Clark, as well as step and adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives will continue his legacy in countless ways.

An adventurous soul at heart, BL found community and meaning on the open road and in the people he met along the way. He was a double lifetime member of Freedom of Road Riders, winning the Buck Stops Here and numerous other awards along the way, including Instructor of the Year at the Meeting of the Minds, a National Motorcycle Rights conference FORR is an organization dedicated to protecting motorcyclists' rights. He was very active in the community and, for many years, served as an MFS (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) certified instructor. Teaching all over the state of Missouri—taking real pride in helping other motorcyclists ride safely and confidently. His willingness to give his time and knowledge was inspirational, offered not for recognition or pay, but because he believed in looking out for others. He helped others because he said he knew what it was like to be unheard. Prejudice comes in all forms. He believed everyone should be recognized and acknowledged equally.

Later in life, BL found God and was a man of God. He was a lover of all kinds of people from all walks of life and valued the friendships he built throughout his life—connections that spoke to the way he made others feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated. Away from the road, he found peace in bird watching, fishing, and travel enjoying the gift of time spent outdoors.

BL’s life was one of devotion, grit, a true Southern Gentleman Biker

with a heart of gold—cherished by those who knew him, and remembered with gratitude for the strength and uplifting example he leaves behind.