Roger K. Barry

Roger K. Barry, 86, of Fremont, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, hard work, and love for his family and community.

Roger was born August 20, 1940, in Coldwater, Michigan, to Elmore and Mildred Barry. A lifelong Fremont-area resident, he graduated from Fremont High School in 1959 and later attended Michigan State University, where he earned an associate degree in horticulture. He began his career working alongside his parents at Barry’s Greenhouse and Flower Shop in Fremont.

On September 11, 1960, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Anna Louise Walbolt. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, friendship, and service to others. They operated Barry’s Greenhouse until 1979.

Roger’s entrepreneurial spirit led him and Anna to start Barton Lake Campground from the ground up in 1965. In 1980, it became Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. They operated the campground for 55 years, building it into a place where generations of families came to vacation, reconnect, and make memories.

For Roger, the campground was always about more than business. He loved talking with campers, sharing his knowledge, and making people feel welcome. He took great joy in seeing families return year after year and knowing that a place he helped create had become part of so many family traditions.

Roger also cared deeply about his community. He served 12 years on the Fremont School Board and 8 years as a Steuben County Commissioner.

Outside of work and public service, Roger enjoyed golfing, singing with the Fremont Methodist Church and other quartets, traveling and vacationing with friends and family, and spending winters in Florida. He loved a good get-together and will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, sense of humor, and ability to make others laugh. Roger was often the life of the party and had a gift for making those around him feel welcome.

Above all, Roger treasured his family and the life he built with Anna. His legacy will live on through the people he loved, the community he served, and the countless memories created at the campground he spent so many years building.

Roger is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Anna; his brother, Greg (Rebecca) Barry; his children, David Barry, Andy Barry, and Julie Corcimiglia; his daughter-in-law, Susan Barry; his son-in-law, Tim Corcimiglia; his grandchildren, Rachel Barry (Josh Markus), Kyle (Emily) Barry, Elena Barry (Leighton Moorlach), Andrea Barry, Kayla Corcimiglia (Andreas Savland), Austin (Taylor) Corcimiglia, Jonathan Gilbert and Jared Gilbert; and his great-grandchildren, Eloise Savland, Zoey Schlumm, and Abigail Schlumm.

Roger’s warm smile, laughter, and welcoming spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.