Barry Royce Anderson

July 16, 1950 to July 29, 2019

When the story of a life begins, there is only One who knows how the chapters will unfold. Barry’s story came with plenty of twists and turns, defeats and successes; he would want you to know that he didn’t always stick to the path of righteousness in his youth. However, once he discovered the Way, the Truth, and the Life, he tried his best to not only follow His Savior’s lead, but to bring others alongside him for the journey. Here is his story . . .

Born and raised in Linn Grove, Iowa, Barry graduated with the 1968 class of Sioux Valley High School. He attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in art and religion. His post-college adventures led him to Florida, where he met his bride-to-be, Sharon (Temerowski). Together they embarked on a path toward Jesus, and followed it from then on to the best of their Holy Spirit empowered abilities.

In his early years of marriage and fatherhood, Barry worked at a meat packing plant, ran heavy equipment, honed his welding skills, owned and operated a gas station/restaurant, and served several terms as mayor of his home town. His ministry involvement included Cursillo, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the men’s outreach at Riverside Presbyterian Church. Years later, after adding recycling plant sorter, school bus builder, post office assistant, truck driver, and countless other temporary employments to his resume, Barry considered the variety of jobs he’d held and skills he’d accumulated, but realized none of them satisfied the longing in his soul to serve God and provide for his family. All of this history proved to be training ground for Barry’s next adventure—God’s call into fulltime ministry—already able to connect with people in all walks of life.

Amazed at this unexpected turn of events, Barry sacrificed several years of living at home with his family, which now included foster children, in order to pursue God’s call. During this time, Barry recognized the need for Christ in the prison system and served the incarcerated as a prison chaplain while completing his studies. Barry graduated with his Master of Divinity degree in 1993 from Dubuque Theological Seminary. His ordination took place at his home church in Linn Grove, surrounded by godly friends who encouraged and supported him in years past and in those yet to come.

Reverend Anderson (a.k.a. Pastor Barry) ministered to a long line of churches in several states, speaking God’s Word with his deep, powerful voice and a sincere desire for everyone he encountered to know Christ. Not religion, but Jesus Himself; the wonder of a Savior who cares for you as an individual, who isn’t afraid of your hurts, habits or hang-ups. Jesus died to set you free from those things because of His deep, unfathomable love for you. He rose from the dead, so you can experience wholeness with Him in heaven. That’s where Barry is, and he’s probably telling stories to an enraptured crowd that is laughing at all his jokes.

In many ways, Barry became father to the fatherless. With unforgettable glimpses of God the Father’s love for them, Barry cared deeply for his children’s friends, neighborhood kids, children in group homes and foster care, young men and women who felt a lack of love from their earthly families. Barry knew it was not his place to judge; he just welcomed everyone to learn about the God who rescued him personally. Barry loved imitating Jesus in loving on those who didn’t feel lovable. He cared about those who didn’t feel like anyone could, because he knew God did.

When it came to his wife of 42 years, his five children, two sons-in-law, his daughter-in-law, and his 10 grandchildren, Barry found his joy in the Lord deepened. Barry made family get-togethers more fun, cozy, and inviting than he ever realized. His nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, his extended family, and his church family in the Gridley, California area felt at peace in his presence. He was a true man of God, often humbly quoting Paul, “I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Barry died of natural causes, leaving a tired and worn-out body to go see Jesus on July 29th, 2019. Our hearts ache with missing him, but his is surely dancing in delight at seeing His Savior face-to-face. We can only imagine Barry’s joy in hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21-22)

With all that said, the story of God’s work as a result of Barry’s life can continue on—in you. Barry would love to see you again. If you don’t know Jesus, take time to follow God’s lead and learn about the One who loves you even more than Barry did. What a wonderful reunion that will be!

A celebration of life service will take place at one o’clock on Saturday, August 10th at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny, Iowa. Barry’s friends and family are invited to a dessert reception, hosted by Prairie Ridge, following the service. A small graveside service is planned for Saturday, August 31st at two in the afternoon, in Linn Grove, Iowa. Family and friends will host a luncheon at Riverside Presbyterian Church, following the interment.