Dr. Barry D. Walp, 89

August 26, 2018

Dr. Barry D. Walp, 89, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on August 26, 2018 at the Mennonite Home. He was born in Elmira, New York, on April 22, 1929 to Meryn and Frank Walp. Barry’s parents were both teachers having graduated from Bloomsburg University and Penn State University, respectively.
Barry graduated from Forty-Fort High School in Pennsylvania, and was active in school athletics, band, church and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Barry graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1951 and from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1956 and served a rotation internship at Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital. Barry met his wife, Jane Young while she was a nursing student at Lancaster General Hospital. Barry and Jane were married in 1954 while Barry was a student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Jane and Barry returned to Lancaster where he began his General Practice in 1957. During his 46 years of medical practice, Barry served as Chief of Staff at the Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital, was on the Board of Directors, and was an active staff member from 1957 until his retirement in 2003. Barry was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Lancaster Osteopathic Medical Society where he served as president for 2 terms. Barry was granted a life membership in 1999 to both the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association as well as the American Osteopathic Medical Association.
Barry was appointed a Lancaster County Deputy Coroner in 1967 and served until 1973 when he became the Chief Deputy Coroner. In 1983 Barry was elected as the Lancaster County Coroner and was re-elected for five four-year terms until 2003. While serving as the County coroner, Barry was President of the Pennsylvania State Coroners’ Association and on the board of Directors. Barry was also the Chief Liaison Officer for the PA Coroners’ Association and the Pennsylvania State Police. In 1997, Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Ridge, appointed Barry to serve on the State Coroners’ Education Board.
During his many years of practice and serving as Lancaster County Coroner, Barry was an examining physician for the Hempfield School District, Penfield Corporation, Dutch Gold Honey, Nationwide Insurance Company, and Midland Mutual Insurance Company. Barry was a Board Member of Life Belt Lancaster, and original Board Member of Hospice of Lancaster where he served on the Medical Committee. Barry was an active member of the Lancaster Sertoma Club where he was a life member and served as president of the Sertoma Club with perfect meeting attendance for 47 years. Barry was a Mason for 32 years with membership in Lancaster Lodge # 43, the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, Harrisburg Consistory, Zembo Temple, Lancaster Shrine Club, and Tall Cedars of Lebanon-Lancaster Forest #27.
Barry attended Manor Brethren in Christ Church for many years where he was also in a small group which he enjoyed.
Those who were blessed to have known Barry knew him as a kind and gentle person with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He was very active with his many years of Medical Practice and Lancaster County Corner roles, but he always made time to listen and spend time with his family. Barry had a love of reading and especially enjoyed western novels.
Barry is survived by his wife of 64 years; three children: son Jeffrey (wife Crystal); daughter, Kimberly Zimmerman (husband Don); and daughter, Susan Zeller (husband Bob). Barry had six grandchildren, Steven Walp (wife Jennifer), Jennifer Eberly (husband Casey), Michael Zimmerman, Matthew Zimmerman (wife Ally), Nicole Zeller, and Kayla Resh (husband Mike). Barry was blessed to have three great grandchildren, Logan, Lily, and Layne.
Friends will be received on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA from 9-11AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11AM. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Dr. Walp’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.