Barry Blue
July 28, 1952 – April 27, 2023
On April 27, 2023 Barry W. Blue of Omaha, NE, beloved son, husband, father and friend, passed away at the age of 70. Barry was born in Valdosta, GA to parents Wayne and Janet Blue. He grew up in Lincoln, NE and graduated from Lincoln East High School as a three-sport letterman. Barry was awarded the “Blue” Howell Memorial trophy for the Outstanding Offensive Player as quarterback of the 1970 Shrine Bowl. He attended the University of South Dakota (USD) where he played football and baseball and was well known for his “fashion forward” wardrobe choices. He exceled as a place kicker for the Coyotes, and was a member of back-to-back-to-back conference championship football teams from 1972 to 1974. In 2008, Blue was inducted into the USD Football Hall of Fame, where he continues to hold the record for most extra points made in a game.
Barry received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from USD in 1974, and went on to receive a Masters Degree in Education, Recreation, and Physical Development from the University of Nebraska in 1977. The leadership skills Barry learned as an athlete on the field translated into a successful career in sales. Barry dedicated nearly 44 years of his life to the home improvement industry; transitioning from a sales representative to General Manager, and later a Vice President of the Pacesetter Corporation. The past ten years were spent with the Pella Corporation, where he was among the top producers and won multiple President’s Awards.
Barry met his wife Rhonda on the dance floor in Lincoln, NE and never looked back. The two were married in 1977 and raised three children together, spanning across three different states. He enjoyed coaching his children’s athletic teams, attending all different types of sporting events, and listening to live music. Barry was fun-loving, strong-willed, and had a remarkable ability to connect with people. He was most often described as “one of a kind”.
Barry was preceded in death by his father, Lt. Colonel Wayne Blue; brothers-in-law: Les Milliken, Robert Polzkill, and Curtis Willford; and beloved family pets: Reggie and Laila.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Blue; children: Erin McLaughlin (Chadd), Anthony Blue (Valerie), and Ashley Blue; mother, Janet Blue; sisters: Connie Milliken and Peggy Chesen (Eli); sisters-in-law: Jean Polzkill, Karan Dunn (Dennis), and Diana Williford; brother-in-law, Ben Polzkill (Cherry); grandchildren: Taylor Hansen (Justin), Alexa and Michael Blue; great grandchild, Ridge Hansen; adored dog Beau; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Please join us for funeral services on Friday, May 12th at 11am with a Celebration of Life to follow at Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, located at 7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hearts United for Animals (hua.org/donate or PO Box 286, Auburn, NE 68305), or the University of South Dakota Athletics (uniteforusd.org or 1110 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069) in memory of Barry Blue.
13 Comments
Tom and I were so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at such a difficult time. Take good care. Treasure the wonderful memories that you have.
Sincerely, Tom & Margaret Holland
So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. We have such fun memories of our baseball games and fun times together
Our world has lost a really great and fun guy. Barry was one of my first cousins, and was one of a kind. He was awesome on a dance floor and I always wished I had his class and style! I will miss him and wish Rhonda and their children the best! Love you all!!
I would like to take this time to extend my sincere condolences to the family. It was a true joy meeting Barry. I pray God’s strength & peace rest upon each of you during this time today & always. Anthony(nephew) continue to take care of your. Mom & grandma as I know Barry would want you to do! Much love & continued prayers to the entire Blue family!!!
My prayers and condolences are with you. May God continue to hold you close to His heart and feel your loss. God bless you and the family.
I was so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. I met him at summer basketball camp at Nebraska Wesleyan and really liked his fun loving personality. Even though we played for different schools I always thought of him as a great guy. My condolences.
Dear Rhona,
We send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
We didn’t know Barry well, but heard so many stories about him from Tom and Kristi. And yes, many comments about his “over the top” dressing!
Hold onto all your beautiful memories!
Jan & Keith Catron
Dear Rhonda, Peggy, Chelsea,
I wish there were words that could take away your pain and sadness. My deepest condolences to your precious family.
Sincerely,
Janice Kuhn
I have such gratitude that I was able to know and be related to Barry. I will never forget him. The word that come to my mind when I think of Barry Blue is gracious. He could make anyone feel at home around him. And I will never forget watching him bring a room of serious people to stitches of laughter. I am thinking of you Rhonda, Janet, Erin, Anthony and Ashley and sending all of my love and prayers.
Sarah
My sympathy to the family for your loss.
My sincere condolences to Rhonda , Erin, Anthony, and Ashley; also to Mrs. Janet Blue.
Barry was a true teammate, friend , and terrific person to anyone that knows him. Mark Mitchell captured Barry’s East High legacy in his comment about Barry. Barry was an exceptional athlete who was always a good and gracious teammate. He did have a star’s flair and was an inspiration to those of us who were his school mates and teammates in athletics.
One of my happiest occurrences was learning Barry and his family had relocated to Omaha, and Anthony and Ashley would be attending our school , Millard West HS. Reconnecting and enjoying Barry and Rhonda’s support as parents and seeing their kids play was a highlight! I’m so glad we had time at the recent East High 50th Reunion to reminisce and laugh!
Barry will be missed, but never forgotten as a Spartan and a friend.
I am very sorry to hear this. I send my thoughts and prayers to Rhonda, Anthony and the family. I have fond memories of the Little League days thanks to his coaching and I am very grateful that we were all reconnected again later too. My best to you during this difficult time.
Condolences to Rhonda , Erin , Ashely and Anthony ……….there are no words that I can say to ease the heartbreak and pain you are going through except to pray and comfort from Jesus ……having know and being a great friend of Barry’s for 40 plus years was a honor and privilege…….Barry was a amazing father , son , husband , grandfather……….we traveled extensively together , across the world …….if you looked in the dictionary for the word fun ……you would see BARRYS picture …… and boy did we have outrageous fun …………I , like most ……could go on and on ………but suffice to say ….I will miss you dearly my brother ………the race is finished and you won ………what a life well lived ……see you on the other side …peace …..
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