Barry William Muth

West Point, 1981

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by John Cape on June 23, 2020:

By Stan Gedry, Paul Miller, John Sankovitch, Andy Evans and John Cape Barry William Muth '81 No. 38677 * June 7, 1958 -- September 20, 2017 * Died in San Antonio, TX Interred in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX. Barry William Muth was born to John and Marilyn Muth in Baltimore, Maryland. Paul Miller, a childhood friend, described Barry as the most-fierce competitor that he ever knew. Barry's team spirit bound the team together. He graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in Center Valley, Pennsylvania where he excelled in track and field, football, and basketball. A few years after graduation, Barry was formally inducted into his High School Hall of Fame. Barry then attended a one year program at The Hill School near Philadelphia. While known for leadership with the lower classes, Barry was also an intense competitor and not afraid to throw an elbow in basketball. Barry was recognized as the track team's most valuable performer. Years later, a $10,000 Barry Muth Scholarship program was set up at The Hill School in honor of his memory. The Muth-man then lost his afro and joined the incoming 1981 class at West Point. He competed on the West Point football team, then tore his ACL and spent his last three years active with the Howitzer Yearbook and the Woodsman Club. If any of his classmates NEEDED just to unload, to share head mail carrier duties, to have a friendly talk over a beer, to help study Russian, to sing and dance to the latest songs, to dress up like KISS, or to care for your neighbor, you name it, Barry was always there. He helped countless classmates and friends when they needed him, asking nothing in return. He always did what was right, and always was there for his friends and family. No matter the time of day or night, or how tired he was, all he needed to know was one of us needed help. In short, Barry was everyone's friend and all of his classmates and friends benefited from his special qualities. Andy Evan recalls that Barry was a big part of most of us getting through West Point. He also trusted Barry enough to introduce him to his attractive younger sister. Barry was quickly smitten and married Dee Anne Evans at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas just 15 months after graduation on September 25, 1982. Dee and Barry then grew their family as they relocated regularly; they were blessed with two sons, Barry and Evan, and a daughter, Ashley. As a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in the 6/32nd Armor Battalion between 1981 and 1985, Barry led soldiers and also served in a critical staff position as the battalion's National Training Center Project Officer. He transitioned to Fort Knox where he completed his Armor advance course and then served in the roles of Battalion Maintenance Officer, Company Commander, and S-4 with the 1/12th Cavalry. In 1990, Barry completed the Materiel Acquisition Management Course. In Fort Greely, Alaska, Barry served as a test officer for Cold Region Testing and Deputy Post Commander. In 1993, Barry then joined the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Detroit, Michigan where he served as a Weapons System Manager. At Fort Hood, Texas Barry served as a Task Force XXI Support Officer -- an effort designed to reshape the Army into a technologically enabled Force. In 1998, Barry assumed the role of the Royal Saudi Land Forces Infantry Corps TRW Contract Manager. The next year Barry was a passenger in a car accident that paralyzed him from the chest down. Treatment brought Barry and his family to San Antonio. He was medically retired as a Major. Facing a much altered life situation, Barry simply worked persistently and doggedly through hardships that would have derailed most people; Barry remained a devoted and supportive husband and father despite his physical challenges. Barry snow skied in a special apparatus, played on a quadriplegic wheelchair rugby team (2002 -- 2017), and competed in the National Veterans Wheel Chair Games (2001 -- 2014); in all of these endeavors he led and competed fiercely while his loving wife remained a devoted supporter. Barry was also part of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, the largest disabled group ever to make it to the base camp of Mount Everest at 17,600' above sea level. A picture near Mount Everest of Barry broadly grinning while displaying a Class of 1981 USMA banner was emblematic of Barry's enthusiasm for life. Barry's remaining career was dedicated to others with disabilities and special needs. In 2002, Barry began his involvement with the Center of Independent Living (COIL) Community Development Corporation (CDC) and by 2006 was the Executive Director. This organization developed and managed properties for the elderly, low income and disabled for San Antonio and the South Texas region. Barry also served as an Elder at Crown Life for two years and was involved in the Community Life Center funding campaign. Barry's military awards include the Air Assault Parachute Badge, Airborne Wings, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. God filled Barry's body with endless energy, his heart with selflessness and love, and his mind with passion and joy. He never lost these qualities (indeed, he relied on them) in all he did, no matter the circumstances life threw at him. Say his name to anyone from West Point, the Army or the special needs community who knew him, and a smile will come to their face in memory of a man completely filled with life.

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