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1956
2025
Barry Wayne Mertz
11/28/1956-07/17/2025
Loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend.
Barry’s parent’s Robert and Rosemarie Mertz along with his brother Dennis Mertz preceded him in death.
Barry graduated from Ladue High school in 1975. Upon graduating high school, he went on to work for the Creve Coeur Street Department, which led to 16 weeks at the Police Academy and his 33-year career with the Creve Coeur Police Department. Here he worked as a Dispatcher, Patrolman, and Major Case Squad Detective.
Anyone who knew or worked with Barry knows his one-of-a-kind sense of humor and his incredible story-telling skills! The joy and laughter that he spread lives on through the continued sharing of stories by friends and family.
Barry was passionate about many things, including baseball and hockey, sports statistics, PVS (Pattonville Varsity Soccer), and of course, his dogs! Especially his Shetland Sheepdog, White Buffalo, who was surely the first to greet him in Heaven.
Barry was a passionate follower of Christ, attending Saint John Bosco Catholic Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
His love and faith in Jesus leave no doubt in our minds that he is finally home and at peace with our Father in Heaven.
Barry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Terry Mertz (Koewing), daughters Sarah Baldridge (Mertz), Katie Mertz and Crystal Mertz, sons Matthew Mertz, Nicholas Mertz and Brian Mertz, son-in-law Josh Baldridge, and his beloved friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
27 Entries
Desiree Haefele
Yesterday
Barry was a very kind and funny man. My daughter Maddie and I were neighbors with the Mertz’s a few years back. Barry made us feel welcome and was always showing off his beautiful dogs to us, something we both shared (we both had 5 at the time). His stories were infectious and I always enjoyed talking to him. Even when we moved, he always made it a point to wish Maddie a Happy Birthday each year. My deepest condolences go out to Terri and the girls. He will be missed!
Mary Kozeny Kozeny
July 30, 2025
Terri I’m so sorry for your loss. Wrap your memories in your heart
Mark Hemmann
July 26, 2025
Sorry to find out my childhood friend has passed. Barry lived a few houses from me on Graeser Road. We and several other neighborhood boys were always hanging out togetheroh the stories to tell! RIP bro.
Judy Kobylarek
July 24, 2025
I worked with Barry for several years at CCPD. He always knew how to lift my spirits and make me laugh..it just came natural to him. He will be missed by so many..may his beautiful soul rest in peace.
Pam de Garcia
July 23, 2025
Terry and family, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Barry was the best! Seeing him at church was always a highlight! He would ask about Anna and was so happy to talk about you and the kids, well and the dogs! He came over to me and gave me reassurances when the tragic incident happened at the other Catholic store. He gave me some insight and made me feel way better about what was going on. He was always looking out for others. Sending you hugs my friend! Hope to see you at Holy Spirit.
Jamison White
July 23, 2025
Barry was a detective when I first started police work at CCPD. He would always answer a question from the rookie cop or step in to help when asked. He never made you feel inferior and had a huge heart. Barry smiled a lot, told jokes, provided nicknames, and was rarely ever speechless. Those were just some of the qualities that made him special to so many people. He started the criminal exchange meetings at work, which brought detectives together from all over the area to share intelligence and criminal information, likely helping to solve thousands of cases over the years. Barry was one of a kind and will never be replaced. God bless you all.
Claudia Meyer
July 22, 2025
Terry and family I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Barry. He was a great man and he was there to help me with my girls when I thought my exhusband took my children to Florida. He told so many funny stories while we all worked at CCPD. May god bless you all,
AL WEDEL
July 22, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
George Hodak
July 22, 2025
Barry was the first officer I met when I started at CCPD. We would go on to be on the same watch for years and later together in the detective bureau. His humor kept us all loose, with his imitations and his nicknames for coworkers (Frestrunk brothers, Uncle Sid, "the Peach"). He was a good detective, meticulous in keeping records and he kept a running log of all past and present employees of the city of CC (one that I bet the City doesn't even have!). When we played together on the softball team he was fearless. Taking balls off the chest and diving for everything. His knowledge of John Wayne was legendary. Whatever he did he usually did it with passion. 10-42 buddy! Hope to see you on the other side one day!
ROGER Hencke
July 22, 2025
Knew Barry since he was just a kid getting in the way of his brother. He was always the same with a comment about everything and eveyone. What a hoot, RIP
Amy Cutrell
July 22, 2025
I first met Barry when we worked at the City of Creve Coeur. He was well known for his big personality and a sense of humor, but he was also had a caring side. When I was pregnant with Ryan (21 years ago), he helped me recover money from a bad contractor then he lectured him about the stress he put on a pregnant woman. My best memory is when we ran into each other at Schnucks, and he said you were looking for a church. I invited you both to try St. John Bosco, and I watched you form a great relationship with Father Welsch, the best priest ever. Sean and I were incredibly proud to serve as your sponsors, and I loved seeing you guys at Mass. He was so proud of his kids and shared silly stories about them. I hope to see you at Holy Spirit, Terry, and hear about the kids and dogs.
Gary Lively
July 22, 2025
Wayne, we were friends for many years, as coworkers, as well as in our retirement years. We shared many good times together, with many memories.
You will be missed my friend, but you are in a better place now with God.
See you at the next roll call buddy.
Laura Collier
July 22, 2025
Tommy and I shared a lot of fun memories with Barry and Terry during our daughter’s Erin and Katie’s soccer days. Barry was a great guy to be around and he will be deeply missed. I’m so sorry for your loss Terry, Katie, and Sarah. Prayers for you all during this very difficult time. God bless.
Susie Barron
July 22, 2025
Barry, Your loyal friendship goes back to grade school with my brother and me. You’d come to our house and visit our family. So glad to be reconnected after many decades! I loved your heartfelt and positive posts. My brother “Johnny” and I will certainly miss you.
Don F Goodwin
July 21, 2025
Always had a time to talk to you. Enjoyed our time at Creve Coeur.
Grace Ohlsen
July 21, 2025
My condolences to Barry’s family. He was a very lovely soul and such a wonderful person to be around. PVS was lucky to have him around. We’ll miss you, Barry
Mike Thompson
July 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to Barry’s family and friends. He was a great guy with an infectious positive attitude and an incredible sense of humor. His impressions were legendary! Grateful to have crossed paths in this lifetime.
Pam Viehland
July 21, 2025
It was a pleasure to work at CCPD with Barry. I loved his stories and the nicknames he gave everyone. We shared a love of John Wayne too. Terry you and the girls are in my heart and prayers. ❤
Tracey Gabelmann
July 21, 2025
Sorry to hear about Barry you were a awesome funny man miss you Tracey Gabelmann- Lisa Hahns sister
Lieschen Fink
July 21, 2025
Our heart breaks; Barry was the "Rock" of PVS varsity soccer. Your support of the Pattonville community will be missed. Our family loved you! Sending prayers & hugs to your family. The Fink Family
Gayle Hitt Messina
July 21, 2025
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Barry and I were good friends at West Ladue Junior High. We both lived off of Graeser Rd- and often walked home from school together. He also became close with my parents and would come by to hang out & play Ping Pong with my dad Rollie. I remember his great humor and kindness.
Your stories demonstrate what a great husband and father he was. May his memory be a blessing.
Gayle (Hitt) Messina
Pamela Richardson
July 21, 2025
I knew Barry from my days at Monsanto Company. We interacted often with the Creve Coeur Police. This breaks my heart. Barry was such a sweet man! I always enjoyed his company. His brother, Dennis, was in my class at Ladue. Many prayers for the Mertz family.
Bob Darlington
July 21, 2025
Great guy and better cop.
Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
Joe Parisi
July 21, 2025
Terry, Butch & Family. We are very sorry to learn of Barry’s passing. We will always be grateful to Barry & you, Terry, for all you both did for the girls soccer program our daughter Gina participated in. Please know that the Mertz family are in out prayers. Joe & Mary Parisi & Gina Crouthers.
Melinda Fuller
July 21, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief!
Terry, we will be thinking about you and your kids.
John and Melinda Fuller
Carl GANDOLFO
July 21, 2025
Barry was a lifelong friend and fellow policeman. Also, a great participant in the Creve Coeur softball team over the years. Shared a lot of beers together... rip Barry
Cathy Goldsticker
July 21, 2025
I am so sad to hear about Barry’s passing. I hope that he didn’t suffer and is at peace. This world is not the same without him in it. He was my dear friend in middle school and I was a huge fan of his kindness, friendship and humor.
Sincerely Cathy Brown Goldsticker
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