Obituary of Melvin Louis Barry

Watch the Tribute Melvin Louis Barry November 27, 1921 - June 16, 2010 Funeral services for Reverend Melvin L. Barry Sr, 88, of Lovington, will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church with Elder Donald Vaughn and Overseer Keith Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery. Services are being conducted by Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. A service of remembrance and visitation led by Rev. Carl Harris will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:30 pm at Kirby-Smith-Rogers Chapel for family and friends to share their memories with the family. Rev. Barry passed away on June 16, 2010 at Midland Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. He was born to Fred Sr. and Mattie (Bonner) Barry on November 27, 1921 in Hallsville, TX. He married Willie Mae Harris in July of 1957. He served as a deacon in Artesia, NM, became a licensed Elder and was assigned to pastor the church in Lovington in 1966 where he served for 44 years until he fell victim to an extended illness. He was a self-taught licensed plumber and carpenter and results of his dedication are reflected in the church building he served in as pastor and the surrounding Lovington community. He served in the Army during WWII from October 1942 to August 1944 and received 2 medals, the Victory and Good Conduct Medal. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Missionary Willie Mae Barry and two brothers: Fred Barry Jr. and Watt L. Barry. He leaves to cherish his memory 5 sons: Rev. Carl Harris of Wichita Falls, TX; Elder Melvin L. Barry Jr. of Fairfax, VA; Elder Dylan and wife Linda Barry of Hobbs, NM; Dr. Floyd and wife Adrian Barry of Waco, TX; and Dwight and wife Edelyn Barry of Las Vegas, NV; 3 daughters: Emma and husband Mark Barksdale of El Paso, TX; Diane and husband Gartha Patton of Midland, TX and Yvonne Fisher of Lovington, NM and one adopted son and daughter: Elder Paul and Leana Gantt of El Paso, TX. Three sisters: Alice Lilly, Helen Barry and Juanita Barry all of Longview, TX; 23 Grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren and 7 nephews and nieces and a host of friends. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com. Family and friends that are helping with food for the meal after the service please take your food to the Methodist Church by 1:00 pm