Barry Wade Boman was born in Joplin, MO, to James and Avanelle Boman on May 9th, 1950. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Salem, OR, and eventually settled in Troutdale, OR, where Barry attended school and graduated from Reynolds High School in 1968. An exceptional athlete, Barry, lettered in football, basketball, and baseball.
After high school, Barry enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he completed basic training before being sent to Vietnam as part of the Signal Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, Barry returned to Oregon, where he was hired by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). He successfully completed their electrician apprenticeship program and spent the next 36 years working as a substation electrician, foreman, and technical specialist before retiring in 2007.
Outside of work, Barry found joy in many hobbies and passions. Barry had a lifelong love for his Seattle Seahawks and was a season ticket holder for 31 years. He also enjoyed golfing, riding his Harley, and restoring his beloved 1951 Chevy pickup. A fan of classic rock, Barry especially loved the music of The Guess Who, Bad Company, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, and Joe Walsh.
In 2003, Barry’s path crossed again with Jackie, and the two were married in 2006. Barry embraced his role as a proud stepfather to Jeff and Scott, helping raise and guide them into the fine men they are today. Barry loved his treats, M&M Peanut candies, Snickers Bars, and Dairy Queen Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzards. Barry had a fondness for a good glass of cognac or bourbon, a competitive game of cribbage, and most of all, he loved “the boss,” Jackie.
In 2013, Barry and Jackie purchased a casita in Peoria, AZ, and soon became snowbirds. By 2018, they decided to make Arizona their permanent home, enjoying the lifestyle they had come to love. Barry also adored his dogs, Cheech, Henry, Abbey, and Ruby.
Barry fought a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, ultimately losing the fight on March 18th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Deborah Eley. Barry leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie; stepsons Jeff Long (Emily) and Scott Long (Jessica); and granddaughter Stevie June. He also leaves his brother, Jim Boman (Rainy), as well as many close friends who were fortunate to know him.
Barry will be honored with a military ceremony on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:30AM at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, OR. Following, a celebration of Barry’s life will be held on Monday, at 12:30 PM at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, OR.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry’s memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, SW WA Humane Society or Habitat for Humanity.
