Birth date: Apr 23, 1926 Death date: Jun 24, 2024
Robert F. Barr, 98, was born on April 23, 1926, to the late Robert F. and Addie A. Barr. Bob passed away on June 24, 2024. Beloved husband of Florence Barr. Cherished father of Robert (Deborah, surviving) Barr (deceased), Melissa Read Obituary
Bob Barr and Esther Turner met when Esther's younger sister, Frances Hartman, was dating Bob's friend, Dale Spargrove in Zanesville Ohio. Esther was 8 years older, but Bob had six older sisters and was comfortable with dating an "older woman" - unusual for that time. Bob had served in the US Navy during WWII, Esther in the Army as a WAAC (Women's Auxiliary Army Corp). They married in 1949. Bob was called up for the Korean War, postponing children until his return. As Aunt Frances used to say, once Mom turned it on, she couldn't turn it off, producing Robin (Bob), Mike, and Melissa from 1953-1955, taking a break until 1958 to finish up with Trudi Kay! After living in Zanesville, Warsaw, and Zanesville again, the family moved to Olmsted Township, Ohio. Among their new neighbors were John and Florence Hancock with their four children (Greg Hockenberry from Florence's first marriage; Mary, Susie and Robbie with John). Mom passed away in 1981, a few years after John. Casual friendship between the widowed neighbors became romance and then marriage in 1985. As the youngest of 10 children, Florence added her 9 siblings, their spouses and children to Dad's 9 siblings and spouses, as well as more grandchildren to the mix (Bob and his wife, Debra, had 2 sons; Mike had married Mary Lou in 1977, and became stepfather to her 4 children). Both clans continue to add grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews adding children and grandchildren of their own. The last names may no longer be Barr or Griffing, but the love lives on.
A lifetime of memories with my Uncle Bob that I will always hold in my heart..fishing and camping trips, motorcycling together, and spending summers growing up with Trudi, Melissa, Mike and Bob and their dear Mother, Aunt Esther..sharing Thanksgiving’s and Christmas together as children, following him and helping as best we could doing farm chores when they lived on a farm..the yearly family reunions of the Addie Barr Clan…endless memories that I will share and remember of my Uncle Bob, the namesake of his father Robert Fulton Barr I…rest easy Incle Bob..we will carry on your love and example you displayed for all of us to follow
My sympathies to his family and many friends
Dear Uncle Bob was loved by many. His sisters and brother and many nieces and nephews remember and still tell many stories, especially when he and Aunt Esther lived on “the farm” outside Warsaw, Ohio. We had Barr family reunions there for many years, made homemade ice cream and cousins played in the fields and trekked to the spring house…. And beyond!
We have many, many fond memories. Uncle Bob will be greatly missed.
Love, from “Tessie” as Granny Barr and aunts and uncles called me ♥️
