- Date Of Birth: December 17, 1952
- Date Of Death: November 13, 2014
- State: Indiana
George Byron “Barney” Roach, 61, passed away at his home on November 13, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Born December 17, 1952, to George and Norma Roach, Barney lived most of his life in Kokomo. He graduated from Haworth High School in 1971. As a teenager, he worked at Hank’s Supermarket, but soon after started his construction career as a roofer.
He learned every phase of construction and became a master carpenter. He worked for many home builders in the Kokomo area and later owned his own construction company. He relocated to Greenwood in 2002.
Barney loved nature. He took the time to observe beautiful sunsets, as well as thunderstorms. He enjoyed flower gardening, photography, cooking, and was most passionate about fishing. Some of his favorite occasions were family gatherings, the Fourth of July, and Halloween. He was a great storyteller, and his laugh was infectious. He loved children, and they were drawn to him.
Barney married Brenda Beard, although they divorced after 23 years together. Survivors include his long-time partner, Pamela Byers Siefers, and her son Clint Byers Siefers, who Barney loved like his own son.
Other survivors include a brother, Michael Garro (Shirley) of Kokomo; sisters Anita Gayle Slaughter Lofgren (Ben) of Ringgold, GA, and Renee Follum (Steve) of Knoxville, Tenn; Aunts Helen Conklin of Kokomo, and Glee Helms of Idaho; And many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He had a special bond with cousins Alan Conklin and Pat Taylor and Todd Taylor, and friends Ted Sprinkle and Dave McNamee, who were all like brothers to him. He also leaves behind many other friends, and the family dog, Sadie, who was a rescue dog, and constant companion throughout his illness.
