Reuben Henry Barr Jr.

Family-Placed Obituary



Reuben Henry Barr Jr. Reuben Henry Barr Jr., devoted husband and loving father, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2005 at the age of 82. He was born on April 12, 1922, the only child of Reuben Henry Barr and Camilla Andrewartha. A native Austinite, he attended Pease Elementary, Allen Junior High and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High in 1939. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from U.T.-Austin in 1943 and was then employed by Humble Oil Co. in Baytown. He married Marion Joyce Ballerstedt in 1944 and enjoyed 43 years of marriage until her death in 1987. Returning to Austin in 1947, he joined his father s plumbing business, R.H. Barr and Son. He enjoyed a long career of honesty and integrity at the University of Texas-Austin Power Plant beginning in 1953 and retiring in 1985, having been its Superintendent since 1972. He married Olga Moorman in 1989, and they have been blessed with 15 years together. Her children and their families became his as well. A deacon and trustee at the University Baptist Church for many years, he continued his dedicated service at Asbury United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Olga Moorman Barr of Austin, Texas and his three daughters, Susan Plowman and husband, Keith of Lake Jackson, Texas, Cathy Rylander and husband, Gary of Austin, Texas and Cindy Sherman and husband, Mark of Austin, Texas. Grandchildren include Sarah Plowman Hughes and husband, Erik of Chapel Hill, N.C., Ian Plowman of Waco, Texas, Nathan, Jonathan and Rebekah Rylander of Austin, Texas, and Amanda and Samantha Sherman of Austin, Texas The family will receive friends on Monday, April 11, 2005 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, with services on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home. Interment will be private at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church of Austin or to the charity of your choice.