Barry Adams

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Barry Adams, age 86, of Columbia Station, Ohio. Barry peacefully concluded his life journey on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Born May 8, 1940, at Elyria Memorial Hospital, Barry was the son of the late Robert and Lucille (Hutchings) Adams. He is now reunited in peace with his father, Robert Adams; his mother, Lucille (Hutchings) (Adams) Butler; his infant sister, Nancy Butler; and his grandparents, Thomas and Blanche Hutchings, and Raymond J. and Ann Butler. Barry’s passion for cars and auto mechanics led him to a distinguished career as a highly sought-after master auto body technician for several car dealerships. Later in life, he achieved success with his own auto body repair business. In his free time, Barry found joy at his grandfather’s log cabin, “The Ridge,” nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. There, he spent time with family and friends, engaging in target shooting, savoring his favorite Busch beer, and appreciating the natural beauty surrounding him. During his time in Ohio during the 1970s and early 1980s, Barry dedicated himself to his mother’s 4-H horse clubs, the North Ridgeville Lucky Horseshoes, and Silver Spurs. One memorable story from 1982 involves Barry rescuing a startled, runaway horse and rider during a Memorial Day parade in North Ridgeville. This incident was a favorite topic of conversation for Barry. Throughout the 1980s, Barry’s passion was evident in his weekends spent at Lorain County Speedway and Sandusky Speedway with his beloved stock car #84 and his racing team. Barry’s life was also filled with other passions. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, guitarist, and a huge fan of Bob Seger’s iconic song “Old Time Rock & Roll.” Country music, old TV westerns (Gunsmoke was his favorite), and Friday night dinners at the Elyria Moose Lodge. Above all, Barry cherished spending quality time with his family and friends. His loving and kind nature touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Left to remember and cherish him are the love of his life, his devoted wife of 29 years, Jennifer (Flynn) Adams; children Cheryl (Adams) Cohen, Robin Adams, Steven Kanzeg, Donna (Adams) Newbloom, David Adams; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, JoAnn (Butler) Kalo and Shelley (Butler) Russo; many nephews and nieces; his beloved kitty, Missy, and many cherished friends. Always ready with a story, a helping hand, or a bit of advice, Barry had a way of making people feel welcome, whether in his garage, at the racetrack, or around the dinner table. A celebration of Barry’s life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Route 57) in Elyria. Family and friends will gather to honor Barry with laughter, stories, and heartfelt memories of a life well-lived. Following the celebration, Barry will be laid to rest in Brookdale Cemetery, located at Oberlin Rd./Old SR 20 and Murray Ridge Rd. in Elyria, Ohio. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com.