Memorial
Barry Burdette Smith, Age 89, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away peacefully at his home in Cedar Rapids on Monday, September 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 10 AM until service time at 11 AM with Father Aaron Junge officiating. An entombment will follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Barry was born on July 12, 1937, in Ryan, IA. He was the son of the late Vincent and Beatrice (Barry) Smith. On June 3, 1959, Barry married the love of his life, Janet Elizabeth McVay, in Hopkinton, IA.
Barry was a man who believed in the value of hard work, education, curiosity, and, most importantly, his family. He loved being surrounded by his family and took great joy in having them close, sharing in the many things he enjoyed and creating memories together.
He had a lifelong passion for learning and was especially proud of his education. In 1959, he graduated from Upper Iowa University with a major in Chemistry and minors in Mathematics and Biology. His love of education continued throughout his life, and he was deeply honored to serve on the Board of Trustees at Upper Iowa University.
Barry began his career teaching high school in Alburnett, Iowa. Over the years, his work took him through many different fields and opportunities. He worked at the Creamery in Ryan, Iowa, McDonnell Aircraft, Rockwell Collins, and Norand. He later built a successful printed circuit board company before beginning a successful career in construction and real estate. Whatever he put his mind to, Barry approached with determination, ingenuity, and a willingness to learn.
Outside of work, Barry found great joy in the simple things in life. He loved being outdoors—mowing, riding his UTV, spending time on the trails, and collecting cars. He especially enjoyed traveling, and two of the trips he talked about most fondly were his travels to Ireland and his trips to Branson, Missouri, for the car shows.
But perhaps what Barry loved most was people. He had a gift for conversation and never seemed to meet a stranger. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and always had a story to share. He loved telling stories about his life, his travels, his work, his cars, and the people he had met along the way. He was also someone who never hesitated to help a person in need.
Barry left an impression on people not because he sought attention, but because he genuinely cared. His curiosity, generosity, stories, sense of adventure, and willingness to lend a hand made him someone people remembered.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Kim LeClere, of Marion, IA, Shelley (Jeff) Rudish, of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Barry S. (Toni) Smith; his grandchildren, Justin (Stephanie), Cory (Sarah), Melissa (Blaine), Jenna (Kasey), Connor, Alexis, Cole; his great-grandchildren, Collin, Jayden, Rutledge, Harrison, Charlie, Cora, Avery, and Kallum; his sister-in-law, Barb (Bill) Burns, of Marion, IA, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Janet on August 24, 2026.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.