TELFORD, BARRY BRADFORD (1946 - 2024). The following is an obituary for former Texas House of Representatives Member Barry Telford. The obituary was published in the June 5, 2024 edition of the Austin American Statesman. Telford is honored with a cenotaph at the Texas State Cemetery and is buried at the Woodmen Cemetery in De Kalb, Texas. 

Former State Representative Barry Bradford Telford of De Kalb, Texas passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the age of 77.

Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, June 8, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in De Kalb with Rev. Amanda Stratton officiating. Interment will follow at Woodmen Cemetery in De Kalb. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, June 7, 2024, at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb. Texas.

Barry was born October 24, 1946, in New Boston, Texas, to John Quincy and Bertha Van Hooser Telford. On September 3, 1966, he was married to Marsha Cunningham in De Kalb. Barry was the owner/operator of Telford Gas and Furniture, a member of the De Kalb Masonic Lodge #9, the Maud Gun Club and First United Methodist Church in De Kalb. Barry loved skeet shooting, hunting and was a voracious reader.

Barry was elected to the House of Representatives in 1986 and served nine terms representing Bowie, Cass, Red River Marion and Morris counties. He served as chairman of the Pensions and Investments and Calendars committees. Barry was instrumental in enhancing pensions for retired teachers and state employees among the many issues he worked on.

He was a mentor and trusted advisor to many House members. His sense of humor and fair play endeared Barry to legislators, legislative staff and “the third house,” the lobby. Barry loved serving the people of Northeast Texas in the House and cherished the deep friendships formed during the hard work and long hours of nine regular legislative sessions and countless special sessions.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha Cunningham Telford of De Kalb; a daughter and son-in-law, Anna Christina Telford and Jason Cording of Harrisonburg, Virginia; a son and daughter-in-law, John Farris and Molly Darden Telford of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren, Quincy Cole Telford, Zoe Kate Telford, Gracie Reese Telford; three sisters-in-law, Lois Crim, Brenda Smith and Gay Cunningham; a brother-in-law, Winston Cunningham; nephews, Quincy Ellis Telford and Bradford Grey Telford; and several other nieces, nephews and cousins, all loved.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 396, De Kalb, Texas 75559 or the Williams House Museum, PO Box 140, De Kalb, Texas 75559.