BARRY LEE ROACH
BARRY LEE ROACH
Barry Lee Roach went to be with The Lord on Dec. 10.
Barry was born in Holdenville, Okla., to Harold Lee Roach and Ida Louise Lofis on June 17, 1931.
Barry attended high school in Wewoka, Okla., from which he graduated in 1949. He then attended Annapolis Military Academy and graduated as senior commander in 1954. During his time in the academy, Barry marched in the Eisenhower Inaugural Parade as Commander of The Drum and Bugle Corps. After graduation, he became a pilot for the U.S. Air Force for the next 20 years. During his service, Barry received two Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, a Distinguished Service Cross with 11 clusters, a Distinguished Flying Cross with nine clusters and a Vietnam Medal.
Barry married the mother of his children, Serena Brearly, in 1954. Together, they had three children; son Barry Lee Jr, born 1955; son Leslie Dean, born 1956 and daughter Lisa Elizabeth, born 1958.
In 1974, Barry and Serena parted ways. Two years later, he met the love of his life, Sunny Lee Benjamin, in Monticello, Ind. They married in 1982 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Together, Barry and Sunny enjoyed life to its fullest and accomplished many dreams together. They moved to Big Arm in 1995 to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. It was there that they decided to plant their roots and retire.
Barry enjoyed woodworking, gardening and playing his trumpet and cornet. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed listening to big band music. He had a gentle soul and the love he had for his wife, Sunny, inspired all of those around him.
In 2015, Barry received a traumatic brain injury which resulted in his stay at The Pines of Polson Assisted Living.
Barry is survived by his wife, Sunny Roach; son, Barry Roach Jr; son, Les Roach; daughter, Lisa Weatherall; step-son Larry Parker; step-daughter Lori Kowal; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Harold and Ida Roach, and his brother; Ronald Roach.
A memorial service was held on Friday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. at The Lake Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
Barry’s family would like to give a special thank you to all of the staff at The Pines of Polson for all of the love and care that you gave to Barry. He loved you all, as do we.