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Richard (Dick) Barr, educator, gardener, renowned local historian, and not least of all legendary pâtissier of 'the cherry pie' departed this Earth on May 4th, 2022, at the age of 79.
A long-time resident of Grant County, Oklahoma, Richard was born to Clarence and Jessie Barr on March 18th, 1943. He proudly graduated a "Miller" from Jefferson, OK, in 1961, and proceeded on to earn both bachelor's and Masters of Education Degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma. Ultimately he spent more than 40 years as Teacher and Mentor in public schools across the state.
In 1972 he married, Lynelle Kirk, having three children, Heather Barr, Micah and wife Kyla, and Megan and husband Brad. He has eight grandchildren: Brock, Taylor, Jay, Madeline, Emma, Brooklyn, Ryker, and Nora, and one great-grandchild, Aspen. He is also survived by his siblings, Karalyn LaBrue and Jerald Barr.
Though quiet and stoic at times, Richard was always quick with a smile and in offering succor to those in need. Average in stature, his passions and generosity loomed as that of a giant.
Voracious reading and exploration could not sate his desire to unearth the past, tracing its myriad threads into the present, and instilling an appreciation of our shared history with countless students over his career. A gifted writer and orator, Richard shared his knowledge willingly in conversations and recently in articles in the county paper.
Richard's passion for nature manifested in a life of gardening, often requiring him to sacrifice entire rooms to his beloved plants and scheduling summer activities around moving the water hose.
Upon turning 70 that Herculean enthusiasm sprinted forth yet again, as the desire to run 'a' half marathon resulted in nearly a decade of 5K, 10K, and half-marathons. Richard often brought home trophies in his age group, and despite his assertions he wasn't the only one that showed that day.
Always generous with his time, Richard was available for others, putting nearly as many miles on his Jeep attending athletic events, livestock shows, school programs, church meetings or just visiting, as he did on his old running shoes. Then, in the quiet moments, he would help with school work, FaceTiming, or hold a fishing pole with the grandkids on the creek bank. He was a good father but he was the 'best' grandfather.
A faithful member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church, Richard led the congregational singing and taught Sunday school for many years. In all his actions within the community, family, and church he provided witness to his ever-abiding love for his God, his family, fellow man, and this land. By his presence, we have been forever enriched, in his absence 'a sad sweet feeling in our hearts, of a purer and holier sort than we have known before' bears witness to this enrichment.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on 2022-05-09 at Wilson Funeral Home, 227 E. Aspen St., Pond Creek, OK.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on 2022-05-10 at Jefferson United Methodist Church, Jefferson, Oklahoma, OK, USA.
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