Barry Wayne Pharis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Our Barry Wayne Pharis, 71, Goshen, passed away at the Goshen Courtyard Health Care Facility, on January 13, 2019, after a courageous three month struggle with Liver Cancer. Our comfort remains with the knowledge that he is eternally “home” and with his wife and steadfast anchor, sweet Connie. Barry was born March 12, 1947, in Hillsdale, Tennessee, to Ray Dotson and Dorothy Louise [Cartwright] Pharis, both deceased, whom he deeply loved and respected. Barry graduated from Riley High School, South Bend, Indiana, and obtained a degree in business administration from Portland State University. Barry married Connie Gaye Powell on March 2, 1968, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Barry, family and friends said their goodbyes to the love of his life, Connie, on May 24, 2017. He is survived by a daughter, Toni A. Pharis, Goshen, and four grandchildren: Ethan, Shawn, Logan and Gabriella Pharis. Barry is also survived by loving and grieving siblings, Ken Pharis & fiancé`, Bonnie Anderson of Clermont, Florida, Rick and Viki Pharis of Goshen, Theresa Eldridge, Donna and Dave Misura of Elkhart and by the Powell side of family, Dennis and Barbara (Boots) Powell of Sequim, Washington, and Ed and Becky Powell of Trout Lake, Washington. Barry loved, appreciated and honored the sacrifice his late in- laws, Ervin Powell and Leila [Surbaugh] Powell and Connie’s siblings endured with moving his wife and daughter to Indiana. Barry also leaves behind 23 nieces and nephews and 18 great-nieces and nephews and his friends, Robin Becker, Jerry Wilson, and Bonnie Rife who were of great spiritual support and demonstrated sustained friendship of time and love to Barry over the years and especially these last few months. The Pharis family thanks Dennis, Boots, Jennifer, Drew, Jeff, Robin and Jerry for their visits to Barry from the West Coast and New York during the last few weeks of Barry’s time with us. Barry was drafted into the army in 1967 and went to Infantry Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Prior to serving his country in Vietnam, he went through the Army’s Jungle Warfare School in Panama. He was a First Lieutenant in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He served our country in Vietnam from late 1968 and returned home in late 1969. Barry’s work career started with Dictaphone on the West Coast and then with the family business, Brads-Ko Engineering and Surveying Company until his retirement last year. Barry’s mantra in life was – work hard, provide for your family, do what is right, do what you can, and know when to move on. He deeply loved his daughter and grandchildren and cared fiercely about their continued welfare and growth. Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com A private memorial service will be held. As Barry believed in service to country and community, the family guides any donations to the VFW Post, Boys and Girls Club or to any charity of your choice. It was our family privilege to have Barry in our lives and we miss him terribly already. We will see you on the other side brother!

Barry Wayne Pharis

March 12, 1947 - January 13, 2019

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Barry Wayne Pharis

March 12, 1947 - January 13, 2019

Obituary & Service

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