SSG (ret.) Barry Lee Paige, 73, of West Union, Iowa died Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Veteran’s Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Barry was born September 20, 1947 to Robert and Jeanette (Hulse) Paige in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from North High School in West Union, Iowa. In 1967, he joined the 101st Airborne Division and served honorably in the Vietnam War. As a serviceman, Mr. Paige earned several awards and commendations, including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry, and a Purple Heart.
On December 4, 1970, Barry married Diane Olson and out of this union they had three children. They divorced in 1991. Barry remarried in 1994, to Michelle Kneeland. Throughout the years when he wasn’t “playing Army” he pursued many trades. Once retired from the Army, he followed wherever the road took him, from Iowa to Louisiana. He always had an avid love for farming and John Deere tractors.
Surviving Barry are his wife, Michelle Paige of West Union, Iowa; his three children, Shane Paige of Waterloo, Crystal Paige-Doty of Oelwein and Tina Schultz of Oelwein; step-daughter, Brittany Trujillo; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Brent Paige; and first wife, Diane Olson of Oelwein, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jeanette Paige; a brother, Bruce Paige; and great-granddaughter Keeley Schultz.
He was laid to rest with Military Rites at 10:00 am on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Illyria Cemetery, rural Elgin, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.