Obituaries

Barry Alan Walrath, Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired) passed away on July 24, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was 85 years old.

Barry was born in Ashtabula, Ohio on January 13, 1941, the eldest of three sons born to Walter and Ruth (Johnson) Walrath. He married the former Nancy Bauer of Denver, Colorado in December of 1963 and they were blessed with two children, Kevin in 1964 and Paige in 1966.

Determined to fly from a young age, his dream started to become a reality when in his senior year at Edgewood High he was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He proudly graduated with the class of 1963 and proceeded to flight training at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma. Throughout his Air Force career he piloted a wide variety of flying missions ranging from the smallest aircraft, an O-2 as the leader of a Forward Air Controller command post unit in Viet Nam, to the largest as commander of the E-4 (747) Advanced Airborne Command Post in support of the then president, Ronald Reagan. After receiving his MA in Geopolitcs from San Diego State University, he had a number of assignments working in conjunction with intelligence agencies, including the CIA and DIA.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1987, Barry spent 26 years at Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) in Northern Virginia as a vice president/division manager. With his expertise in all phases of intelligence production, he managed teams of scientists, engineers, and intelligence professional in multiple programs involved in solving complex problems for the US defense and intelligence communities.

Barry’s next chapter found him serving as a docent at Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia where, with his extensive background as a military and commercial instrument rated pilot, certified flight instructor, and with a depth of historical knowledge, he was adeptly able to assist visitors to the Museum.

A fine athlete in his youth, Barry remained avidly interested in sports throughout his life, particularly baseball. He and his wife, Nancy, had a beautiful and amazing life together with travels around the globe. He will be remembered for his love of family, his friendship, integrity, dedication, professionalism, and quiet sense of humor.

Barry was preceded in death by his son, Kevin. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter Paige Walrath of Annandale, VA; his daughter-in-law Daniela of Fairfax, VA; his grandchildren, Sydney Farkas of Los Angeles, CA, Meghan Farkas of Alexandria, VA, Brycen Walrath of Charleston, SC, and Alexandra Walrath of Fairfax, VA; his brothers, TJ of Hinckley, OH and Brian of Chagrin Falls, OH.

Barry will be laid to rest at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado on September 25, 2026, at 1:00pm. A “Celebration of Life” will follow at “Doolies” located in the Polaris Hotel.

Should you wish to make a memorial donation in Barry’s honor, the family requests contributions be made to Fisher House Foundation which provides comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital.