Thomas Barry Sechrist, 61, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at home after a life long battle with alcoholism.
Barry was a life long resident of Battle Creek. He graduated from Lakeview High School, then entered the Navy for five years. He traveled quite a bit while enlisted in the Navy. After being Honorably discharged he set up residence in California, where he became a volunteer fireman with the Cathedral City Fire Department. Barry was awarded for saving a 2 1/2 year old girl who had gone into cardiac arrest while with the fire department. He then returned to Battle Creek where he lived the remainder of his life. He enjoyed golfing, watching television, trips to the casino and rooting for the Detroit Red Wings and the University of Michigan at home and in the stands.
Barry was preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him Virgil and Alixe (Grigsby) Sechrist. He is survived by his ex-wife and friend, Sabrina (Capman) Sechrist; daughters Hillary (Nick) Gordier, Christina (William) Godfretson, Melissa (Joe) DeBoer, Son Jacob Sechrist, and 5 Grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Friends Church, 1305 Olive Street, Battle Creek, Michigan on Thursday, May 12 starting at 5:00 pm.
Interment will take place in the Ft Custer National Cemetery on Thursday, May 12 at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials given to the Wounded Warriors Project, the Paralyzed Veterans or St Jude's Children's Research Hospital..