Barry Brueggeman

Barry E. Brueggeman, 27, of Jackson left us too early Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Ste. Genevieve County as a result of a vehicle accident.

He was born May 23, 1981, in Alton, Ill., son of Keith "Sam" and Jane Weller Brueggeman. He and Deana McCormick were married July 12, 2008, and were looking forward to being first-time parents next month. Barry was a doting expectant father who couldn't wait to teach his firstborn about all of his passions, especially football, fishing and golf.

Barry graduated from Southwestern High School in Piasa, Ill., in 1999, and Quincy University in 2004. He was a passionate football player, playing in high school, college and, most recently, playing arena football with the River City Rage in St. Charles, Mo. He was a truck driver for Buchheit of Biehle, Mo.

Barry was loved by many, had countless friends and no enemies. If a friend or relative needed anything, Barry was there to help, no questions asked. He was affectionately known as "Bear" or "Bearcat."

Loving survivors include his wife; his parents Sam and Jane Brueggeman of Shipman, Ill.; a sister, Lesley Brueggeman of Aurora, Ill.; a brother, Jay (Amanda) Brueggeman of Wentzville, Mo.; paternal grandmother, Verna Robinson of Shipman; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Janet Calame of Jerseyville, Ill.; mother-in-law, Marianne McCormick of Cape Girardeau; father-in-law, Dean McCormick of Scott City; sister-in-law, Amanda (Luke) Aufdenberg and a nephew, Hunter Aufdenberg, all of Burfordville.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Lester Weller, and paternal grandfather, Ralph "Gene" Brueggeman.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2009, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Parish prayers will be at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, with the Rev. John Harth officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to Baby Brueggeman Donation Account, and may be made at any Regions Bank location.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.