Barry was a kind hearted, loving and caring soul. He tried to love everyone just as Christ loves us. Barry would help anyone who was in need. He had a very good and genuine spirit. Barry was a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend.
Barry Gerald Martin was born on December 11, 1958 to the proud and loving parents of Irma-(Ire) Ransom Martin and Owen Martin. Grandson of Ora Lee Eldridge Ransom, Samuel Ransom and Ella Holt Martin & Harrison Martin. Barry was the youngest of The Martin Clan; he proudly expressed he was the baby of the family. Barry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Larry Martin. 2 surviving sisters, Gloria Martin & Rhonda Martin and a special niece, nephews, cousins ,nieces, a special first cousin, Teresa Ransom , and a host of other family & friends.
Barry was born in Fort Wayne Indiana where he attended Emmanuel St. Michael Lutheran School. He went on to graduate from Elmhurst high school, and then attended IUPUI University in Fort Wayne, IN. He worked full time at The Fort Wayne Housing Authority, while attending college. He loved his position with the housing authority because it gave him many opportunities to support those in need. He later moved to St. Louis Mo and attended too St. Louis College, while working for Schnucks Corporation. Barry, later returned to Fort Wayne IN where he lived out the remainder of his life. Barry was raised in a family who stressed education, family and love. Barry loved to laugh, crack jokes and make others laugh. He was fun loving and fun to be around.
Barry was a devout Christian, he loved The Lord and spoke often and freely about his faith and belief in The Lord. Barry was active in the church choir of Emmanuel St. Michael. He was active in numerous church plays & functions, in our church and school. Barry loved listening to all types of music but his favorite music was gospel. He enjoyed praising and thanking the Lord.
Barry had many hobbies; one of which was listening to all types of music. He had several musicians he enjoyed listening too, He also loved roller skating. He skated weekly for several years, as a youth. He loved to skate backwards and do stunts on his skates. He did martial arts training. Barry was a decent artist; he created and submitted several marketing advertisement projects for his college classes; always receiving A’s for his projects. He loved eating good foods, one of his favorite dishes was mongolian beef from The China Palace. Barry could tell you about all the best restaurants and their specialties. Sara Lou’s and Hi-Wills in St. Louis were among his favorite restaurants. Another of his hobbies was cars; he had a beloved Vega and Green Camaro. Barry kept his cars immaculate and drove his cars fast.
Barry had a comfortable and quaint apartment that he loved. He furnished his apartment with the assistance of his beloved sister Gloria. We enjoyed visiting Barry and he enjoyed entertaining his family at his home. Barry had lots of friends in Fort Wayne IN and St. Louis MO, he was loved wherever he lived. Barry had several good friends who also lived in his building; here in Fort Wayne.
Barry had a very special relationship with his first cousin Teresa Ransom. Barry & Teresa were like brother and sister; he adored Teresa and she loved him back. Those two had a lot of adventures together; best of all, them trying to hide from & out smart Uncle Ervin. Barry loved talking about his daily drive to Elmhurst School, stopping off to pick up Teresa. He loved reminiscing about his & Teresa’s fun times together. Barry also had a close relationship with cousin, James Jimmy Turner of Saint Louis MO, they were always together when Barry lived in St. Louis. Jimmy & Barry were like brothers to each other. Barry spoiled his niece and nephews, he loved them dearly. Barry’s niece & nephews have so many fond memories of their Uncle. On one occasion, the kids rushed home to tell their Grand Parents that their Uncle Barry was doing donuts in the snow, with them in his car. And of course, this action got Barry into hot water with his parents. Barry’s niece and nephews name their pet bird, Barry, in his honor. Barry laughed when he heard his niece and nephew named the bird after him. Barry loved his family, and remained close to all his family members. Our Mother always referred to Barry as Mommie’s Baby and Barry relished this.
Barry’s best friend as a child was his beloved, Dog, whose name was Cesar. Cesar was a White Spitz and he loved Barry. Cesar was Barry’s protector; he slept under Barry’s bed every night. Barry trained Cesar to do many tricks. They had a close bond.
So many fond memories. One of my favorite memories with Barry was when he was trying to teach me how to drive his car which had a stick. He lost patience with me when I was burning the clutch so he advised to go to driving school to learn to drive a stick. Everyone who shared in Barry’s life journey are all better people as a result of having known, loved and interacted with Barry. Everyone’s life touched by Barry, was always for the better. We will forever miss and love you Barry. There are no words that adequately express the part you played in our family and in the many lives of others.
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