Barry L. Sutherland

       BRINKHAVEN – Barry Lee Sutherland, 77, died at his residence in Brinkhaven, Ohio on Thursday, December 11, 2025 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease with his family and friends at his side.

       He was born June 17, 1948 in Akron, Ohio to the late Spencer Ray and Marie T. (Thrasher) Sutherland. He was a 1966 graduate of Coventry High School in Portage Lakes, Ohio where he spent his childhood. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Bachelor of Science in Corrections Degree and a Degree in Masters of Education from Kent State University.

       He served honorably in the United States Army from 1968-1970 as part of the I Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry “Black Horse Regiment” and received the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and a Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle).

       He worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer for Wayne County, Ohio. He was an instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council and was employed by the Ohio Youth Commission in Youngstown, Ohio. He worked as the Chief of Children’s Services for the Portage County Department of Human Services. He retired from the Ohio Department of Human Services in Cincinnati, Ohio with 30 years of public service.

       He played on the Coventry High School Varsity Basketball and Varsity Baseball teams. He played for the Lockwood Methodist Church Softball and Basketball teams. He founded the Brews Brothers softball team in the 1980s, playing in the Kent City League at Fred Fuller Field in Kent, Ohio forming lasting bonds with the team members which endured until his passing. He was a member of the Church of Scientology in Greater Cincinnati where he served as the Senior Case Supervisor and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his services.

       Barry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patricia (Neal) Sutherland of Brinkhaven; his daughter, Sarah Janae (Chris) Seebold of Eagle River, Alaska (AK); three grandchildren, Chris Seebold, Jr. of Louisville, KY, and Cash & Scarlet Seebold, both of Eagle River, AK; a brother, Kenneth Ray (Anna) Sutherland of Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Robin Kinty of Hiram, Ohio; a nephew and two nieces, Keith (Chris) Sutherland, Nicole (Sean) Chartier, and Apryl (Anthony) Swafford; his great-nieces and great-nephews.

       He was preceded in death by his Father, Spencer Ray Sutherland, Mother, Marie T. Sutherland-Senn, Step-father, Max Senn and his brother-in-law, Steven Kinty.

       A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Church of Scientology Greater Cincinnati, 283 Main St. Florence, KY 41042, with Rev. James Speiser officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Florence V.F.W. Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow at the church. Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is assisting with arrangements. FischerFuneralHome.com