Obituary of Barry Wayne Vanderhyden
Barry Wayne Vanderhyden
Barry Wayne Vanderhyden, of Elwood, IL passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the age of 41. He was born in Joliet, IL, on July 14, 1980, the beloved son of Russell “Rusty” and Michelle “Mickey” (nee Barnes) Vanderhyden. He attended Rockdale Grade School and played youth baseball for St. Joes Little League and his team advanced to the Little League World Series in 1992. A graduate with the class of 1998 from Joliet Central High School where he played baseball and football all four years, earning 1st team all-conference and all area in both sports. Barry also played basketball and wrestled for two years at JT.
He was offered a scholarship to McKendree University in Lebanon, IL to play football and continue his education.
Barry worked in management at FedEx in Romeoville, IL. He had an opportunity to try out for the Chicago Cubs, traveled the United States playing competitive softball, grades A, B, C, and D which was sponsored by Easton Bats and he loved shooting pool, having qualified to compete in a pool tournament in Las Vegas.
He was loved by so many people throughout the area and at his workplace. He loved to always help people and teach them. Barry always wore pink to support breast cancer in honor of his Grandmother Vanderhyden and was a firm believer in Black Lives Matter.
Although we will miss him dearly, we find comfort in the way he lived his life. He truly was a “team player” in every aspect.
In addition to his loving and supportive parents, Mickey and Rusty, he is also survived by his loving sisters, Candice “Candy” (Ryan) King, Sr. and Katherine “Katie” Vanderhyden; he is the loving uncle to Ryan King, Jr, Jared King, Cameron King and Deangelo “Delo” Johnson, Deangelo Anguiano, and Samiya Rae Vanderhyden (her uncle “Boo Boo”); his four-legged faithful companion, “Kush”; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Barry will also be missed by his “brothers from a different mother” Sean and Tracey Ropke and Kyle Johnson; and his family from Longshots.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Margaret F. (Lehmann) Barnes (1967), Robert L. Barnes Sr. (2002), Richard H. Vanderhyden, Sr. (1993), and Dorothy M. Vanderhyden (1994).
Funeral Services for Barry Vanderhyden will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet. Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday at the funeral home from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the family for a scholarship fund that will be established at Joliet Central High School Athletic Department.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
