Bud Barr liked fireworks. Each summer, whether for a church picnic or family reunion, he organized and invested in a pyrotechnics display that brought joy to many faces. His annual fun was a fitting metaphor for a life of service to others: good people, like candles, burn themselves up to shed light, and every day of Bud’s life was a sparkler of joy to others.
The Lord called his servant Bud to himself at dawn Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 following a short illness. He was 82.
Born April 28, 1934 in Mansfield to parents John Lewie and Lois Elizabeth (Culler) Barr, he graduated from Lucas High School in 1952. As president of his class, Bud kept the class active, still organizing monthly dinners.
Bud served with the 78th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army, honorably discharged as PFC.
He met a young lady at the Glessner Avenue Dairy Queen, and Bud was shortly thereafter married to Barbara A. Frederici in the Lexington Church of Christ, a congregation he would later serve as elder.
For more than 30 years Bud worked as a die maker with General Motors, all the while operating his 143-acre farm.
Bud enjoyed traveling and camping, water skiing and wood working, and any excuse for a hand of euchre.
A member of First Alliance Church, Bud served the congregation as elder, trustee and Sunday school teacher.
He will be remembered for his unmatched sincerity and kindness, and his genuine compassion and generosity. As a true servant of the Lord, Bud’s humble, soft spoken and patient spirit complimented his desire to serve others: “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16 NIV)
Bud leaves a legacy of a loving family, including his wife Barbara Barr; their children Christine (Nathan) Christopher of Fuquay Varina, NC, Patty Barr of Lexington, Jennifer (Brian) Mast of Lakeville, MN, and David (Angela) Barr of Lexington; grandchildren Emily, Bethany, Levi, Boston, Camden, Avery, Payton, David O., and Eli; six great grandchildren and one on the way; a brother Kenneth (Nancy) Barr of Bellville and sister Maxine McMahon of Goodrich, MI.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Theodore Barr and Russell Barr.
The Barr family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation continues Saturday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in First Alliance Church, 291 West Cook Road, Mansfield, where a worship service giving glory to God for the life of Bud Barr will follow at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Mark W. Thomas and Pastor Steven Burggraf will officiate. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery, where the 179th Airlift Wing will conduct graveside military honors.
Contributions in Bud’s memory to the Great Commission Fund of the church may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Barr family. Share with them a message of light – or watch Bud’s tribute video – online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
