Donald Edward Barry went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2026, at 90 years old.
He was born on April 16, 1936, in Monmouth, Illinois. Don joined the Air Force when he was seventeen years old and spent the next 20 years honorably serving his country. He was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan, Castle Air Force Base in California and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Don served as a senior master’s sergeant working on B-52’s for the Strategic Air Command. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
In 1975, Don retired and moved with his wife, Josephine (Jo) and his daughters, Anita and Sandy, to Manatee County.
After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida in 1977, he began a new career as chief auditor for the Manatee County Clerk of the Court. Working for Chips Shore, Don was responsible for auditing all county departments and developing new computer systems to modernize the clerks’ office. In 1984, Chips also assigned him with the task of remodeling the third floor for the judges of the 12th Judicial Circuit. For accomplishing that task, Don received the 1988 Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Award and is featured in Lawyers & Legends of Manatee County. After he retired from the Clerk’s office in 1991, he spent many enjoyable years fishing, boating, woodworking and spending time with his family. Don was also passionate about designing and completing home improvement projects to his home and for his daughters and granddaughters.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Jo Barry of 62 years and grandson, Edward “Eddie” Wattling IV. He is survived by his daughters, Anita Smith (Gilbert) and Sandra Barry and 2 granddaughters, Shannon K. Gettinger (Hunter) and Heather Wattling Collier (Chad) and he was blessed with 5 great grandsons, Preston, Pierce, Tristan, Dylan and Zeppelin.
There will be a military graveside service on August 18, 2026, at 9:30 am at the Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
