MARKSVILLE, La. (AP) - Earl Barbry Sr., the chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, has died. He was 62.
The tribe said in a news release that Barbry died Wednesday at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria "after fighting cancer."
Barbry was instrumental in getting federal recognition for the tribe and in bringing the Paragon Casino & Resort to Marksville.
Barbry was raised on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville. He was elected the tribe's chairman in 1978 and was still chairman at his death.
Barbry is survived by his wife, Gail Kelone Barbry; two sons, Earl J. Barbry, Jr. and Joey Barbry; and two granddaughters, Alexis and Annabelle.
Funeral arrangements are pending.