Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas BARR Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas BARR
Ashley Hazel
August 9, 2012
Keeping his memory alive via a facebook group. Search, In memory of Dr. Thomas Calhoun Barr. Still can't find it? Email me. [email protected]
Art Stuff
January 5, 2012
Thinking of you today, miss your emails and humor.
December 4, 2011
I miss my cousin so deeply. Each month we corresponded as I did his father. I have so many of his short stories. I will charish them and share them with the rest of our family. Unfortunately this site doesn't give us e3mail addresses to share with one another. My email address is [email protected]. Tommy and I shared genealogy but we didn't share our children's sites. I will always miss him and what we shared as a family.
Art Stuff
Maridel
September 7, 2011
Happy 80th Birthday Dad! The cavers are going to celebrate you at Barraroo!
Lynn
September 6, 2011
Thinking of you today, my friend.
Lynn Roebuck
September 6, 2011
My thoughts are with you today, my friend.
Bill Stewart
August 9, 2011
With deepest sympathy
Maridel Barr
June 2, 2011
I have so many great memories of growing up with my Dad. Of waffles on Saturday morning, gardening during the hot summer months in Kentucky and listening to him play the mandolin at night. Our summers included trips to beautiful mountain ranges and hollows, of woods, and creeks and of dark cool caves. He taught me how to collect beetles without crushing them and how to play chess. Star Trek was our favorite show when I was growing up. He told ghost stories and we talked of the world beyond this one. His mischevious smile would light up when he told a good scary story! Heh, heh, heh! I can still hear the crickets singing outside the window as the night cooled and he stummed out his rendition of a Doc Watson song, Otto the Bandit.I know in my heart I will see you again one day. But, today I miss you Dad. And I love you.
Dad in Billy Goat Cave
June 2, 2011
John Just
May 24, 2011
I met Tom Barr for the first time in 1970 when he hired me as an Assistant Professor while he was the Chairman of the Zoology Dept at the University of Kentucky. Tom was always a soft- spoken gentle Southern gentleman who dealt honorably with all. His worldwide reputation as a cave biologist became obvious on a trip to Toulouse France in the mid 1970's. In an excursion arranged by the scientific conference I was attending, we visited a cave in the area. When the resident scientists saw my name tag with the Univ. of Kentucky Zoology, I was deluged with questions about Dr. Barr. "How is he? Do I really know him? What is he currently working on? Convey greetings to him..." When I returned to the USA and told Tom about his celebrity status in France, he just smiled and puffed on his pipe and said "John, you know the French tend to exagerate." Humble and gentle as always.
Debbie Tune
May 11, 2011
My thoughts are with you at this time. I grew up with Maridel, Lisa and Thomas in Lexington. Mr. Barr had a gentle peace about him. I can still see him walking in his garden in the backyard with his blue jeans on, red shirt and pipe in his mouth, taking the time to look at each plant. Hugs to all.
Ashley Hazel
May 11, 2011
My greatest memory of my Grandfather was when I was about 7 or 8 years old. My mother (Melisa), aunt and uncle (Maridel and Duane) and I visited during the summer in Kentucky. One night he told me the story of the Jabberwocky. It was late, and as I recall Grandma Judy needed to change the light bulb by their driveway, which was a bit of a walk from the house. Now that I think of it, it might have been a set up! Grandma Judy, Maridel, Mom and I took of to do so. On the way back, we heard a growling in the bushes. Maridel told me to stop that, thinking it was me. Out of the bushes jumped this HUGE furry beast, roaring with anger! My aunt jumped straight out of her shoes! We all took off running. Of course it wasn't a Jabberwocky, but my Grandfather. Master of caves, beetles, exotic daylilies, dachshunds, mandolins. and scaring the shoes right off my aunt Maridel (whose shoes were perfectly laid side by side in the driveway the next morning).
I'll forever miss you.
-Ashley
Art Stuff
May 6, 2011
Tommy Barr was my first cousin. He had a great sense of humor. He was a great story teller. He wrote many short stories. I recall the ghost stories he would tell us at night when we were together. He could keep you on the edge of your chair. He scared the heck out of us as kids. He loved his family. He was dedicated to his field, exploring many caves and discovering others. He grew day lilies and developed several hybrid species. He was a Westinghouse scholar. He had a brillant mind. He was a good teacher and a loyal friend. He will be missed.
Thomas Loring NSS 18250
May 5, 2011
I never met Tom Barr, but he helped to kindle and grow a +37yr. love of caves and caving in me that has been and always will be a major part of who I am.
Thank you Thomas Barr.
Helen Galloway
May 5, 2011
Dr. Barr was a kind gentleman who loved his work and people. He will be missed.
Dan Calhoun
May 5, 2011
It is informative to read about his father as well to see where some of the spirit came from: http://www2.volstate.edu/teach/thq/Home%20Front%20Tennessee.pdf
I do wish that I could have met both of them!
Henry Robison
May 5, 2011
I was privileged to know Tom only a few years, but I always marvelled at his wisdom, great humor, and wonderful insight in all things political and educational. Tom was true giant of biology and I shall miss him dearly.
Tommy Turner
May 4, 2011
My condolences to Judy Barr and family , friends, Downtown Presbyterian Church congregation but giving thanks to Our God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for Tom Barrs Life and friendship and willingness to share with others in the Homeless Ministry and Church , Nashville, Tennessee..
May 4, 2011
My ideal dinner party would be one attended by E.O Wilson, Walter B. Jones, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Calhoun Barr Jr. I would keep my mouth shut and listen.
Emily Davis
May 4, 2011
I was lucky to have met Tom at caving and karst conferences over the last 40 years. I was honored to sell his book to enthusiastic cavers. He was a modest and honorable man and will be missed within the caving world.
Brian Roebuck
May 4, 2011
Tom wrote me a comforting note when my father passed a few years ago. His words gave me strength in my time of sorrow. He was a true friend and a willing mentor. We all could rely on him and trust his words of wisdom. I have never met anyone as brilliant, energetic, and yet as down to earth as Tom. I'll miss his gentle voice and sense of humor. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
May 4, 2011
Just a month ago I was corresponding with Tom about all the scientific projects he was looking forward to completing. It's sad that he'll never get that chance. On the other hand, I can't think of a better way to take one's leave, always looking ahead to new adventures. Farewell, Tom. -- Art Palmer (NY)
Orconectes incomptus, discovered by Tom Barr
Jen Buhay
May 4, 2011
Orconectes barri, female with eggs under tail
Jen Buhay
May 4, 2011
Alan Lenk
May 4, 2011
I was very saddened to hear the news. I didn't know Dr. Barr well, but like so many others, I was profoundly affected by his contributions to the caving community, particularly his 'Caves of Tennessee' that I purchased in the 1960s. My thoughts are with his family and many friends.
Tom Barr and T. B'ar
Jen Buhay
May 4, 2011
Tom Poulson
May 4, 2011
Tom and I have interacted, by snail mail and e-mail and over bourbon and in caves, for 55 years! What i most remember is his LONG discourses about cave beetles, his, that he did not suffer fools gladly, our back and forth erudite discussions of all things biospeleological, and his wry sense of humor even about himself. I will try to include a photo he once sent me of two cavers Tom Barr and T. B'ar.
Jen Buhay
May 4, 2011
Tom was my academic grandfather throughout my graduate work. I named my first new cave crayfish after him (Orconectes barri). We would email each other around 2am (Bat Time Zone) about anything and everything constantly. I miss him already. He left such a big trace on the caving family.
James Reyome
May 4, 2011
One of the first gifts I was given by my fiance was a copy of Dr. Barr's book. I finally got to meet Tom on a cave trip in the late nineties and he was gracious and kind, along with being very free with his knowledge. He signed his book for me that day and I'll treasure it forever. We will not soon see another like him.
Lynn Roebuck
May 4, 2011
Out of respect I called him Dr. Barr but I called him Daddy Barr, with love. He was not only a close friend but a fellow caver and mentor. Never will I forget the memorable caving trips with Daddy Barr. I will miss him greatly but find comfort in knowing the world is a much better place because he walked with us for a short while. My thoughts are with Mrs Judy and the family during this very difficult time.
John Cooper
May 4, 2011
Tom was my mentor, chairman of my doctoral committee, friend, and
constant correspondent. He will be sorely, sorely missed. John Cooper
Chuck Mangelsdorf
May 4, 2011
We will miss his wisdom, experience and friendship. Tom was a true explorer, and he opened the pure world of cave exploring to many young men and women in Tennessee. He has enriched many lives ovwer the years. God bless Judy and the family.
Jane Barr Stump-Green
May 3, 2011
My dear brother and friend, Tommy, was a source of intellectual stimulation, political dialogue, great fun and will be in my thoughts and live in my heart as long as I live.
Jane
Clara Louise Iler
May 3, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 3, 2011
My deepest condolences to the entire Barr family. Tom was a dear friend and mentor. I'm sure Heaven is enriched with his arrival. May he rest in peace.
Rob Robbins
Terre Haute, Indiana
Jane Hay
May 3, 2011
I was a student and then friend of Tom's back in the 70's and 80's - he was a brilliant man and a good teacher, who helped me out on many occasions. He will be missed by all.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas BARR's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas BARR
Funeral services provided by:
Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home - Nashville201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas BARR's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
