Mark Eugene Barry was born on March 7, 1953 in Osceola, Nebraska.  He was the fifth child of a family of six children.  Mark spent the first ten years in Osceola.  The family moved to Crete, where Mark attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Crete High School.  He entered the field of engineering in the U.S. Army.  Mark served for two years and a portion of his time was spent in Hawaii.  He was so proud of his military service and it showed in the shirts and hats he wore.  Mark enrolled in carpentry courses at Milford Trade School and worked in construction for a short time.  In addition, he spent many years in Crete mowing lawns. The highlight and happiest part of his life was greeting and helping customers at True Value and Ace Hardware in Crete.  Owner, Dan Papik, believed that Mark was a good fit for the position.  He excelled with people. Everyone was Mark's friend. Customers seemed to love his character and his kindness toward them.  Mark received two special honors for his volunteer work. Channel 10/11 of Lincoln placed Mark in Lance's Journal with a video of his work at the store.  Years later, Ace Hardware produced a heartwarming video of Dan and Mark, explaining why Dan hired Mark and portraying various parts of Mark's life.  The family will be forever grateful to Dan Papik for helping Mark's gifts shine in the Crete community. At the age of 63, Mark moved into the Gardens Assisted Living Center.  He was a resident until this past year.  His health was declining and he took a hard fall in late Spring, cracking a rib and dislocating and fracturing his shoulder. His body continued to decline until his death on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the age of 71.  Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Thelen Barry in 1977, his father, William Barry in 2000, sister, Colleen in 2001 and brother, Francis in 2006.  Mark is survived by siblings and spouses:  Kathleen and Michael Scheer of Beatrice, Don and Lyn of Bettendorf, Iowa, Marileen and Rocky Lohman of Bellevue, 3 nieces and 6 nephews.  The family wishes to thank all the people in Crete who cared for and loved Mark.  There were many sorrowful times in Mark's life, but knowing how people felt about him brings so much comfort to soften any sad memories. Visitation will be on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete followed by a Rosary Service at 1:15 PM.  The Funeral will be at 2 PM.  Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.