Barry Compton was the third child born to Gen and Deema Compston in August 1950.  Complications at birth caused Barry to have partial brain damage. He was able to attend regular school through the 4th grade.

In the fifties there were no special education teachers. Barry could learn but could not retain the information. He stayed out of school for one year and then went on to attend Crusade for Children in Paymra, Indiana.

His mother later drove one of the buses to help children with special needs attend school. When the facility closed Barry attended First Chance Center in Paoli, IN where he became more of a helper than a student.