Barry Joseph Leverett

Early childhood for Barry was a mix of normal, everyday life and family—the usual assortment of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Siblings, neighborhood kids, school buddies, and family friends in Amarillo were playmates. As he grew, Barry’s life changed with more difficult scenarios following the loss of his dad. An accident in 1962 left him with a traumatic brain injury; challenging symptoms occurred for years before therapies smoothed out that road. Generally fairly stable afterward over time, resulting ephemeral moods revealed Barry’s personality. Sometimes he was the 10-year-old boy he was before his TBI; other times, he was a trying adolescent. But he was also occasionally a surprisingly astute adult observer, intriguing people around him with his comments. People who got to know Barry well have always remarked how accepting he seemed of his limitations. Although frustration reared often, he was mostly outgoing and gracious, both by nature and by nurture. All other influences considered then, those qualities combined to give him a dignity preserved to the very end. Survivors include his sister, Linda and husband Ken Acker of Lakewood, Colorado; nephew Joe Acker; niece Wendy Ribble and husband Brian; great-niece Tessa Ribble; and great-nephew Teagan Ribble, all of Arvada, Colorado. Barry is also survived by many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends who cared deeply for him. All attendees are welcome to attend the reception following the service.