Gene Thomas Barry

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gene Thomas Barry on June 25, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Born in Bossier City, Louisiana, into a military family, Gene experienced living in all parts of the world and across the United States, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas. His favorite place to call home was the Greek Islands. Gene carried a passion for the region and would talk for hours about his time spent in Greece to anyone who listened.

In August 1969, at the age of 18, Gene’s life was forever changed by Hurricane Camille. Forced to evacuate his home in southern Mississippi and experiencing the Category 5 hurricane directly, Gene found his calling. His lifelong focus became learning how to protect others from experiencing that same trauma. Driven by this mission, Gene joined the Air Force, specializing in weather equipment repairs. This military foundation led to a career spanning over 30 years with the National Weather Service. His proudest professional accomplishment was his involvement in creating today’s advanced radar system in Norman, Oklahoma. Days prior to his death, Gene spent hours watching severe weather coverage and making sure his family was safe.

In 1976, Gene was looking for a bowling partner and placed an advertisement on a bulletin board in his apartment complex. Little did he know he was about to meet his future wife, Beverly Helmick. Both shared a love for bowling, square dancing and NASCAR racing. Gene knew within a couple of weeks he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, and the two married in 1977.

Gene is survived by his wife, Beverly of Oklahoma City; his daughter, Amber Holmes, and her husband, Jeff, of Oklahoma City. He also leaves behind his godmother, Judy “Isabelle” Magna, of Hawthorne, New Jersey; close friend and NASCAR companion, Don Shaffer, of Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania; and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Barry and Delores Frasco Barry.

Military honors will be Monday, June 29th at 2:00pm at Vassar Cemetery in Vici, Oklahoma. A celebration of life to honor Gene will be held on August 22nd. Details will be provided by family once arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gene to the Vici Fire Department
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859