Barry Lane Locke 74, of Shinnston, passed away on Thursday March 1,2018, at the Clarksburg Nursing and Rehab Center.
He was born on October 8,1943, in Fairmont, a son of the late William and Sylvia Hickman Locke also deceased is his brother Robin Locke.
Barry is survived by his loving wife Barbara Locke, his sisters Linda Locke of Katy WV, Nancy Zicafoose of Katy, Karen Thorne and her husband Travis of Gladwin, MI, his step children Ronald Vincent and his wife Rhonda of Bridgeport, and Michael Vincent and his wife Cassia of Akron Ohio, several nieces and nephews, also surviving are his Step grandchildren, Alec Vincent, Morgan Vincent, Emily Vincent, Ashton Urling, Madison Vincent, step great grandchild Bronson Vincent.
Barry graduated with a BS degree from Fairmont State College, a graduate degree from VCU University VA, and a Doctorate from WVU. Barry Retired from WVU School of Social Work after 37 years. During this time he served the school as BSW program chair, asst. chair, Interium Dean chair and director of the program, but he enjoyed teaching in the class room the most. He has been presented by the National Rual Social Work caucus a lifetime achievement award. He holds a seat on the National Rural Social Work Caucus. Barry is also a ranking member of the WV Chapter of NASW; the WV Human Services association, the Family Service association for Harrison and Marion Counties, In touch and concerned an adult protection program in the region, received a certificate of sincere appreciation from WVU Extension service Visiting Committee and was named Distinguished West Virginian and signed by Gov. Joseph Manchin.
When Barry Retired he was surprised with a retirement party in Charleston, with his family, coworkers, and special friends present. A favorite memory was being invited to Korea and Japan to address University Classes there.
Barry loved living in Shinnston with his wife Barb. He especially loved the way all of the different churches in Shinnston worked together to form the Lords Pantry, and Barry was one of the founding members of the board. He also served as Councilman of second ward, and along with the park commission, Woody Maley, and Elias Stark worked with the Bice-Ferguson family to make the city park and the Shinnston Museum a reality. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church Shinnston and held several offices and loved the bible study groups. He considered the church part of his family.
Friends will be received at the Harmer funeral home in Shinnston on Friday from 3-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Shinnston on Saturday at 11:00 am with Rev. Cindy Boggs officiating. Interment will follow at the Shinnston Memorial Mausoleum.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.harmerfuneralhome.com
A service of the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston

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