Barry Irvin Rockers

Barry Irvin Rockers, age 74, of Richmond, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, peacefully in his home with family at his side.

Barry was born on January 25, 1948, in Garnett, Kansas. He was the second of nine children born to Irvin and Margaret "Marge" (Katzer) Rockers. A farmer from his youth, Barry lived most of his childhood and adult life on the family farm south of Richmond. In his youth, he dairy farmed with his brothers and father. He attended grade school at East Scipio School, then attended Garnett High School, graduating with the class of 1966. Due to the many obligations of dairy and farm life, Barry wasn't able to play organized sports while in school. He joined the Kansas Army National Guard and finished at the top of his Basic Training class. He eventually rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before completing his Military Obligation. Barry did his apprenticeship as a member of the Lawrence Plumbers/Pipefitters Union #763 (later to become #441) after high school, where he worked many jobs and projects over his career and was a Union member for over 50 years.

Barry married Gloria Smith in Garnett in 1968, they were blessed with four children. Their marriage lasted for 31 years. Barry then enjoyed a friendship and short marriage to Cindy Meier of Lawrence. Barry spent his later years sharing a special friendship with Kathy Schulte for 6 years.

Throughout his life, Barry owned and operated several business ventures in addition to farming and working as a pipefitter. Some of his businesses included Hometown Insurance Services in Richmond, Kansas, The Scipio Supper Club, B&J Cattle, and custom hay baling for area farmers. He was a member of the Scipio Knights of Columbus Council #2680, where he served as Grand Knight twice and was involved with various other St. Boniface parish activities and functions. Barry enjoyed many hobbies, including men's fast pitch softball, volleyball, bowling, hunting upland game birds, fishing, watching KU Men's basketball, and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs games, playing cards with family and friends, watching westerns, dancing, travel, socializing, and maybe singing over a good drink and some stovetop popcorn. More than anything, he was a farmer.
Barry was known for his generosity, his willingness to always lend a helping hand when asked, and his love for friends and especially family, both immediate and extended. He was a proud man and was proud of his heritage. Socialization with all was something he enjoyed, and he always had a word of kind advice to share with anyone and an ear to listen to other's thoughts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Irvin Rockers, and his mother, Marge Rockers; son-in-law, Shawn Teagarden; his sister, Sarah Riekena; brother-in-law, James Foltz; niece, Lynneda Martin; and nephew, Luke Rockers.

Barry is survived by his children, Troy and Ann Rockers of Olathe, Kansas, Wes and Renee Rockers of Evansville, Indiana, Randa Teagarden of Garnett, Kansas, and Jarod Rockers of Richmond, Kansas; and six grandchildren; four step grandchildren; seven siblings, Linda and LeWayne Rothers, Lois Foltz, Bernie and Michelle Rockers, Omer Rockers, Marcia and Dave Herrman, Kurt and Mindy Rockers, Carl Rockers; brother-in-law, Tom Riekena; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, January 9, 2023, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Scipio, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends following a 7:00 PM, Rosary at the church on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at St. Boniface Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Scipio Knights of Columbus Council #2680 or to the Scipio Parish Hall Fund in Barry's honor. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .