1953-2026
Barry Ross Walter Sr. passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, music, and dedication to family.
He was born on October 30, 1953, in Culver City, California, to Ross D. Walter and Mary M. Walter (Waters), joining his older sister, Rosemary. When his father was transferred to Blythe as a patrolman with the California Highway Patrol, the family relocated there. Blythe is where Barry attended school and graduated from Palo Verde Valley High School in 1971.
Barry began working in the restaurant industry at just 16 years old. After graduating, he worked his way into management, relocating to communities in Oklahoma and throughout California including Blythe, Riverside, Redding, and Yreka. In his early adult years Barry was married to Rhonda Walter, and together they welcomed three children. In December 1985, Barry and his family permanently settled in Susanville, California, to manage TJ’s Gold Rush Pizza.
Drawing on his years of management experience, Barry completed his associate’s degree and began his career with the California Department of Corrections in April 1990 as a Correctional Supervising Cook. He dedicated 28 years of service before retiring in 2018 as the Supervising Correctional Cook for the California Correctional Center’s fire camp.
In 1993, Barry met Tammy (Meanor), and they were married in May 1999. Together they blended their families, as Barry welcomed her four children into his life and adopted her two youngest as his own. Though their marriage, like many, had its seasons, they shared many years together and built a large and lasting family. Tammy passed away in July 2019.
Barry held a special love for Disneyland and made sure each of his children had the chance to experience the magic of that place at least once, creating memories that will carry forward for generations. He and Tammy became Grandma and Papa in 2002 and went on to welcome many more grandchildren in the years that followed.
Music was one of Barry’s lifelong passions. He began playing in high school and continued throughout his adult life. Though he could play several instruments, the bass guitar became his signature. He performed with several local Susanville bands, including The Main Street Band, The Tennessee Whiskey Band, and Timeless sharing his love of music with the community.
Even after retirement, Barry stayed active, working for several years at Walmart to keep busy. In his later years, he enjoyed fixing and tinkering around his home, spending time with friends at Diamond Mountain Casino, and beginning a new chapter in his retirement community in Reno, Nevada.
Barry is survived by his seven children: Erica; Victoria (Vicky); Barry Jr.; Lee; Jason; Jessica and her husband James; and Joseph (Joey) and his wife Andrea. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
His presence, his music, and the memories he created will remain with those who knew and loved him.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 65 S. Lassen St, Susanville, CA at 11:00am. Reception and gravesite service to follow.
