Martin John Barry
12/18/1952-03/04/2025
Martin John Barry, of Columbia City, passed away on March 4, 2025 at the Peabody Home in North Manchester, Indiana. He was 72.
Martin was born in Marion on December 18, 1952 to Richard Barry and Helen (Creighton) Beatty. Growing up in Columbia City, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1971, distinguishing himself as a member of the letterman’s club, participating in football, golf and basketball. Among the very last group to be drafted during the Vietnam War in 1972, Martin served two years in-country at Fort Knox (TN), Fort Gordon (GA) and Fort Lewis (WA).
After service, Martin began pursuit of a degree in political science from St. Francis College, only to take a two year gap at the Killington Mountain Ski Area in Vermont, where he became a cross-country skier. From there he moved to Michigan, near the Manistee National Forest to continue skiing and later continued his studies at Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Moving back to Indiana, Martin became a father and took up the trade of carpentry for more than a decade before spending the next quarter century as Maintenance Coordinator for ResCare Homes.
An avid sportsman, and part of a close-knit family, Martin spent much of the last thirty years at Tri-Lakes, kayaking, sailing, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing and golfing with his siblings, children, nieces and nephews, and friends. He could also be found on trails throughout NE Indiana, mountain biking, recumbent biking and inline skating. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers, Martin continued his 10-mile hikes around the Tri-Lakes area, twice daily, up to last year.
Surviving are his children Catie (Tom) and Eamonn (Hope), grandchildren Keagan and Kaelyn, and brothers Tom (Pam), Bob (Vicki) and Kevin (Faye), and six nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by his loving sister Lynne Barry, on February 17, 2025.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no immediate service. A celebration of both Martin and Lynne’s lives will occur on a future date, at 2:00pm on July 5, 2025 at his nephew John’s home, rain or shine.
Memorials may be given in memory of Martin for his nephew John’s future needs; checks may be made payable to John Barry.
Visit www.MagnoliaCremations.
Condolences (8)
Deb Farrell
Martin has been and will continue to be missed. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Terri Ernst
Martin always had a smile on his face. Sorry for your loss.
Deb Boggs Reed
I remember Marty as always being full of life and charming. He played golf with my dad on several occasions and dad always remarked on how well he played and how well mannered he was. I met his brother Bob at Turnstone and we had a few conversations about Marty’s condition. So Sorry for the whole family
Callie & Riley
Martin, you will be missed by so many! You were a caring & courteous man, always up for a quick chat. Your days of sailing across the lake & walking countless steps were always a comforting sight. We will miss you, little buddy! Rest easy in the glory of God!
Dan Stauffer
So sorry to hear. I had so many great adventures with Martin. He was always ready for anything.
His family was his pride and joy.
He was one of a kind and I will never forget the good days spent with him.