Troy Steward Barrick

Funeral Services for Steward Barrick, 98, lifelong area farmer, will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, June 24, 2024, in the Kiesau Memorial Chapel, officiated by Doyle Kinney. The burial will follow in the Butler Cemetery with Military Honors and under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.

Troy Steward Barrick was born to Troy Rush Barrick and Pearl Lena (Steward) Barrick October 27, 1925, on a farm north of Butler, OK and passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024, in the Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

His family later moved to a farm near Arapaho, OK where he attended Arapaho Schools graduating in 1943. Not long after high school he took a bus to Colby, KS and joined a harvest crew heading north. At night he slept underneath the combined looking up at the stars wondering what life had in store for him. He had lived through the Dustbowl and the Great Depression. Little did he know a second world war was on his horizon.

He enlisted in the United States Army April 20, 1944, and was honorably discharged April 15, 1946. He served in Army A Company, 330 Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division known as the Thunderbolt Division. He was a combat infantry man and saw action in the battles of the Normandy Campaign Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.

Eventually his division was known as the “Ragrtag Circus” due to their speed and getting the job done. But mostly for their ability to confiscate all forms of transportation including German vehicles which they painted US Army green. Their efficiency, grit and perseverance were noted in a Stars & Stripes article. Not only did he fight in the Batlle of the Bulge, one of the bloodiest battles of WW II, he also was part of the only American troops to cross the Elbe River heading on their way to Berlin. They were only 30 to 40 miles from Berlin before they were called back. This amazing endeavor became part of public record approximately 15 years ago. Steward was awarded a Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Badge and 3 Bronze Service Stars.

In 1951 he was called for duty in the Korean War. He attended and completed Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, VA. Afterwards he asked for a delay to get in that year’s cotton crop which was granted. Soon he was ordered to stay home because the war was ending.

Soon he and his good friend Chester Simpson (who eventually married his siter Jean) opened a gas station in Clinton on 10th and Modelle. After that he worked as the manager at the Clinton Cotton Gin and at night keeping books for the Clinton Oil Mill. All this while continuing to farm. Soon he turned to farming full time. His land consisted of the rich soil of Washita River bottom three miles west of Clinton as well as a farm southwest of Arapaho.

On February 5, 1955, he married his best friend, farming companion and dance partner, Nellrita Slade of Butler, OK. They celebrated a wonderful, loving and adventurous life together for 60 years until her passing in July of 2014. To this union was born a son, Ross Alan, in 1957 and a daughter Paula Jo in 1964.

Through sheer grit, ingenuity and determination Steward remodeled the old farmhouse. He built livestock barns, hay barns, fencing, cattle lots and chutes. He and Nellrita planted shade trees, flowering bushes and natural wind shelters giving the place a new life. This provided a beautiful, verdant shelter against the harsh Western Oklahoma winds. By the strength of his back and the unconditional support of his wife, Barrick Farms was born. He was proud to tell his children, “I didn’t inherit my land, I had to buy it.”

Steward was a man if strong faith. This was reflected in how he led his family and served his country, church and community. He was a member of the original First Christion Church of Clinton for decades. He built the water baptismal there and was an integral part of building the handicap ramps and railing. He also provided his carpentry skills in many other areas of the church. Later he an Nellrita moved their membership to the First United Methodist Church in Clinton. Where he continued to teach Sunday School and provide his carpentry and witnessing skills. Steward served as an Elder at both churches.

He gave his time to his community by joining forces in building the Acme Brick Park playground, witnessing newcomers and quietly helping others in need. His family was the Custer County Farm Bureau Family of the Year in 1989. He served as Post Commander in the American Legion. He was the Quarter Master for the 83rd Infantry Division Association. He and Nellrita were blessed to attend many reunions across the country and in Europe.

His children cherish the memories of numerous camping and water-skiing trips to Fort Cobb and Tenkiller Lakes. Many camping trips to the Colorado Rockies especially Fun Valley and vacation to the west and east coasts.

Steward was preceded in death by his loving wife Nellrita, brothers, Laverne Barrick and Bill (Sheila) Barrick, sisters, Maxine (Arnold) Orr, Jean (Chester) Simpson and Peggy (Byron Wayne) Daugherty.

He is survived by his son Ross (Lou) Barrick of Kingfisher, OK, daughter Paula of Clinton OK, grandsons, Justin Barrick of Homer, NE, Cooper (Jaci) Barrick of OKC, OK, Ty Taylor and Gentry Glancy of Clinton, OK, step grandsons Ryan Kennemer of Shawnee and Eric (Carey) Kennemer of Luthe OK.

Steward’s WW II story was recently published in “Extraordinary Valor – Stories of Oklahoma Veterans” by Judy Haught.