Roy Junior Barth, 97, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 1:14 am July 31, 2022, at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois. He was born September 30, 1924, in Marion, Illinois to the late Roy and Marie Elizabeth (McClauskie) Barth. Roy married Cleta Barth and she preceded him in death. Roy later married Virginia Williams on May 2, 1986, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They were blessed with nearly twenty-seven years of marriage before she preceded him in death on April 8, 2013.
Roy is survived by his daughters, Bobby Ann of Colorado Springs; Sherrie Lynn of Florida; son, Michael Roy of Carbondale; grandson, Josh of Desoto; granddaughter, Jessica Hughes and husband, Travis, of Johnsonville, two great-grandchildren, Rylie Backes and Luke Hughes; sister-in-law, Gwen O’Dell and husband, Larry; and many nieces and nephews.
Roy proudly served his country in the United States Army. Roy worked as a music teacher for Wayne City High School for twenty-one years. He then accepted a position at Summersville Grade School. With the exception of his first year, the bands he directed never lost a contest and either received “first” or “first superior”. After Roy retired, he accepted a position at Woodlawn Grade School to teach music part-time. Roy’s instrument of choice was the trombone or an instrument from the brass section. In Dallas, Texas, Roy performed with the 106th Army Ground Forces Band and the Special Services Band. He moved on to Fort Campbell, Kentucky to perform with the 5th Infantry Division Band. After his discharge from the Army, Roy went to Southern Illinois University with a major in music and a minor in zoology and botany. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Music Education. Mr. Barth also performed with Teddy Phillips, Orrin Tucker, and some semi-name bands. He was an original member of the SIU stage band. During retirement he enjoyed playing in the Kaskaskia Jazz and Concert Bands; Ambassadors of Swing; Sounds of Swing; Rend Lake Band, and others as the opportunity arose. Roy enjoyed fishing, rod making, and gardening. He was a member of various education associations, fishing clubs, and Tau Kappa EpsilonA
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am. Memorials may be made in Roy’s honor to the charity of the donor’s choice. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
