WESTFIELD – Barry Hughson Plumley, 91, (1932-2024), passed away at home on Saturday, April 6th. He was born in Springfield to the late Wilford F. and Gladys 
E. (Hughson) Plumley. Barry served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956 during The Korean War aboard the USS Cascade as an Electrician’s Mate Third Class. He was awarded both the National Defense Service Award and the Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp).
Honorably Discharged in 1956, Barry served in the US Naval Reserve until 1960. He was employed by New England Tel & Tel as an Electrician/Switchman until 1983, later working at Air Compressor Engineering. As a proud member of American Legion Post 124 he served as American Legion Historian, Jr. Vice Commander and Past Commander 2007. He also belonged to Post 1847 and Amvets Post 12 in South Hadley and was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He volunteered at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Firing Detail, several Veterans sponsored charities and in the Public Schools. Barry was honored to be a participant in the Veterans Honor Flight 2016 to Washington DC. He served on the Westfield Flood Control Commission for many years. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Westfield where he served on the Prudential Committee and in the First Church Choir. Also, he was a member of the Greater Westfield Choral Assoc.
Barry’s beloved wife of over 65 years, Mary E. “Betty” Plumley passed away recently in 2023. They leave their children, Matthew L. Plumley, his wife Cindy of N. Fort Myers, FL, Steven J. Plumley, his wife Cheryl of West Springfield and Mary J. Houle, her husband Gerard (Jerry) of Southampton, three grandchildren, Timothy D. Plumley, Alle K. Murray and Mary A. Howes and several great-grandchildren, as well as his brothers, Frank W. Plumley of Northfield, VT, Norris M. Plumley of Scottsdale, AZ and Kenneth J. Plumley of Southwick.
Barry loved sailing with Betty on their various sailboats (all named Barabeta). Together they sailed the northeast Atlantic, all the way down the Inland Waterway around to the Gulf of Mexico. They loved road trip travel as well. On many long trips the couple drove their camper from New England to the Southwest, the Northwest, to Alaska and across Canada.
There will be a joint Memorial Service for Barry and Mary E. (Betty) on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 3 p.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the American Legion Post 124, Westfield, MA. www.firtionadams.com
