Barry Lee Craun passed from this life on March 17, 2023 after suffering a massive heart attack. His loving wife Betsy and family were by his side. He was 84.

Barry was born in King. NC on Nov 3 1938 to Margaret Ann Kiser Craun and Frank Arthur Craun.
Six months later, he and his parents moved to Riverdale, MD. While in his senior year of high school he volunteered for the Navy and went into service upon graduation. He spent the next two years on the repair ship Amphion as storekeeper. His enlistment included duty in the eastern US–1 shakedown cruise from Norfolk, VA to Newport News and then to RI and Erie, PA. Probably the most interesting time was when the ship spent the summer in Cannes, France–because a star Admiral was on board. That was a highlight for him. Another highlight he loved to recall was playing trumpet in the Washington Redskins band immediately after his military deployment.

After his discharge from the Navy, through a chance meeting with a CIA recruiter, he was hired by the Agency in February 59 as a budget and finance officer where he spent most of his career. He was also a support officer for East Africa in his later employment. During his tenure with the Agency he spent two years in Tehran, Iran under the Shah’s rule, four years in London, 1 1/2 years in Vietnam, and two years in Bangkok; also multiple trips to East African countries on a temporary basis. Barry always said that besides the travel, one of the highlights of his career was being a part of the team that accomplished the launching of the ground station for satellite intel collection run by GE and the NRO. While working for CIA, he furthered his education by attending Benjamin Franklin University where he earned a Bachelor of Commercial Science degree.

After retirement in 1990, he owned and operated a Subway franchise in MD for a few years. Barry lived life fully while bowling in leagues, playing softball on teams, racquetball, tennis, fishing and golf.

As a veteran and patriotic American, Barry continued to contribute to various organizations that supported the military and our democracy.

Barry and Betsy were married in 1985 and moved to Vero Beach in 1995 after Betsy retired from CIA. They worked together for six years as licensed Realtors for Coldwell Banker, Ed Schlitt. They enjoyed socializing with their many friends and traveled extensively before his health deteriorated. Even then, relegated to a wheelchair, it never slowed him down. Barry continued to be an involved husband, father and grandfather. He attended functions with Betsy, enjoyed social gatherings and dinners, always with a smile and ready for a toast. The week before his death he and Betsy enjoyed a lovely evening out at a dinner/meeting and lecture. Through his many struggles, he managed with grace and courage, and never a complaint. He will be sorely missed by all who knew, loved and appreciated him.

Barry is survived by wife Betsy Craun and stepson Brendon Tynan (Bridgette) and grandchildren Isabella, Andrew and Connor; daughter Karen Tancrede (Serge), grandchildren Courtney (Jaron) and great-granddaughters Alaina and Avery; grandson JT (partner Mallory) and granddaughter Maya; son Brad Craun and granddaughters Isabel and Gracie; brother Donald Craun (Nancy) and nephews David and Ryan (Patricia) and grandnephew Lucas and grandniece Maria. Barry is predeceased by first wife Linda Ogletree.

In honor of Barry’s wishes, a private family memorial will be held later this summer.