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Barry Lee “Bear” French was born in St. Louis on September 30, 1946 a son to George E. and Esther A. (nee Johnston) French.  He died at St. Joe Manor on May 7, 2024 at the age of  77.  He is survived by his wife Lorraine “Lori” (nee Atkinson) French, Park Hills; four children: Deanna French, Springfield, Shannon (Johnny Baxter) Schopp, Bonne Terre, Melissa (William) Willis, Valles Mines and John (Shannon Smith) Schopp, Valles Mines; 16 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one sister Veronica “Ronnie” Shoults, Festus; two brothers: Bob (Gayle) French, Crystal City and Dale (Carol) French, Herculaneum as well as nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister Donna Dollar; a brother Steve French and a brother in law Dave Shoults.  Born and raised in Festus Barry was very skilled in mathematics but preferred working with his hands in both construction and as a delivery truck driver.  He enjoyed meeting with his friends at Waffle House. A GoFundMe account has been established to help with funeral expenses.