Barry Lynn Steenbergen

Barry Lynn Steenbergen, 73, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Barry was born on October 23, 1950 in Glasgow, Kentucky, lived his early years in Tracy, Kentucky and then Indianapolis, Indiana, before his parents settled in Louisville in 1953. Barry was a 1969 graduate of Western High School and earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from theUniversity of Louisville. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where he was well known and very much loved. Barry was an Exceptional Child/Special Education teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools for 40 years - 22 of those at his alma mater, Western High, and 18 at Louisville Male High. He coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, track and cross country, and acquired his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to transport his athletes and many other teams at both Western and Male until he retired in 2018. Barry served in the United States Air Force, Kentucky Air National Guard, 123 rd Airlift Wing, for 23 years. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant and also earned a U.S. Air Force Associate degree. He was invited to participate in, due to his community involvement, and recently graduated in March 2024 from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Citizens Police Academy. He once again was excited to serve. Barry never met a stranger and loved helping everyone around him. It was most important to him that he recognize and encourage others, whether that was in teaching, coaching, serving in many ways, or just being a good friend or a loving family member. Many knew him through his love of running marathons, which he continued to participate in until his 50s. Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Maxwell and Jo Frances Carter Steenbergen. Barry is survived by his sister Karen Steenbergen McNeil and her husband Mike McNeil; his nephews Justin (Chrissy), Schyler (Abigail), and Hayden (Julia); four great-nieces; his partner Kathy Woosley and her children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him Papaw Barry; many cousins; and many, many good friends - all who loved him dearly. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway with burial in Louisville Memorial Gardens West following the funeral. Visitation will be 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 31 and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, prior to the funeral service.

Barry Lynn Steenbergen

October 23, 1950 - May 26, 2024