Barrett Beer

Barrett Beer, age 89, of Kent, OH, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026 after a long and full life.

Born in Goshen, Indiana in 1936, Barry was a lifelong learner, fierce contrarian, defender of the underdog, and lover of cats. His natural curiosity led him first to DePauw University as an undergraduate and later to Northwestern University, where he earned his PhD in history.

While on field research as a graduate student in England he met the love of his life, Jill. The couple married in London in 1965 and returned to the United States to begin their life together, first in Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico and then in Kent, where Barry taught in the history department at Kent State for 38 years. An expert in the history of Tudor England, Barry wrote several books of English history during his career. He and his family also spent many semesters in London as well as a year abroad in Tromso, Norway, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. In retirement Barry enjoyed classical music, time with friends and family, his church community, and a good book (preferably history).

Barry is survived by his wife, Jill Beer; their two children, Peter (Ilikai) Beer and Caroline (Mike Ballard) Beer; and four grandchildren, Donovan and Jamieson Beer and Parker and Eliza Ballard.

Visitation will be Friday, April 10, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM at the United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 East Main St., Kent, OH 44240.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Kent or the KSU Orchestra Society.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.