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)
Cathryn Hood , Tri Lakes neighbor
We have missed Martin’s outgoing, sweet personality and his twice daily visits as he walked everywhere! The first time I met Martin was when his sailboat went array and brought him almost crashing into my pier.The look on his face was priceless! He always stopped, while on his walks to say hello, and much later in life , wanted to know your number and then share that his number was 70, years old. His son and daughter-in-law were very creative in keeping him safe while allowing him the freedom to continue his walking. They took such great care of him. God has another Angel in heaven. Rest easy Martin.
Laura Lefever
I’m so sad to lose Marty. We were friends from grade school on, worked together at Burnworth pool and remained friends for life. He had a zest for life and the smile to with it!
David Sewell
I am sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. We will all miss his joy of life and love of living! God Bless you Marty !