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Gary Warren Barr

1947 - 2019

Gary Warren Barr obituary, 1947-2019, Independence, MO

BORN

1947

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Carson-Speaks Chapel

1501 W. Lexington Ave.

Independence, Missouri

Gary Barr Obituary

Gary Warren Barr, 71, of Independence, Missouri passed away August 4, 2019.

He was born August 12, 1947 to Warren F. Barr and Ruth V. (Roberts) Barr. Having lost his parents at an early age Gary was lovingly raised by his Uncle Jake (Barr) and Aunt Louise. He attended William Chrisman High School where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years Nancy (Borgman), standing in line at the pencil sharpener in Mr. Herrick's Geometry Class.

After graduation in 1967 Gary trained in tool and die making before enlisting in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam War, 1968-1972. Before leaving active duty he earned the rank of Petty Officer First Class, and later returned to serve in the Naval Reserve. Gary and Nancy were married July 3, 1969 at the 32nd Street Naval Base Chapel in San Diego, California. After the Navy, Gary returned to Independence where he and Nancy made their home and lived their married life on Main Street. Gary was a machinist and tool and die maker by trade. He was a union man and worked many years as a member of the CWA for Western Electric and then AT&T, eventually retiring after 32 years from Avaya. Gary was a skilled craftsman, a master repairman, and enjoyed woodworking.

He and Nancy spent the past 30 years working to restore the Historic Bryant Home on South Main Street to is original grandeur. He particularly loved collecting and restoring antiques and took great pride in his antique car collection. He was a member of the Heart of America Model A Ford Club, Plain Old A's, and Ararat Shrine Antique Auto Club. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Independence. He was Master Mason, Past Master of McDonald Lodge #324, and a member of the Ararat Shrine and Scottish Rite. Gary had a great respect for his membership with Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, an Eagle Scout, a Scoutmaster, and later enjoyed scouting with his grandson and helping him to achieve his Eagle Scout ranking.

Gary fancied himself as a biker at heart and was a proud H.O.G. (member of the Harley Owners Group). He was a proud Veteran and lifetime member of the VFW Post #1000. Those who loved Gary will remember him for being one of the hardest working, hardest loving men they've ever known. He loved his wife Nancy most of all, but his family and friends always knew they ran a close second. He was greatly humbled by how God had blessed his life and expressed his gratitude daily. He knew that God had blessed him with many mentors throughout his life so he worked hard to mentor others.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Ruth, Brother John (Jack) Barr, and Uncle Jake and Aunt Louise.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Jennifer Rentfro (Aaron) and Christina
Leakey (Brian), both of Independence; and grandchildren Madalyn Leakey, Jessup Leakey and Kennedy Rentfro.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the First Baptist Church 1896 Sanctuary Restoration Fund, 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, 64050, or Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council Camperships Program, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com

Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Examiner on Aug. 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Barr

Sponsored by Carson-Speaks Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





August 26, 2019

Nancy I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Especially since I just saw the two of you at my non-garage sale before the move to Alabama. You will be in my prayers.
Linda Willard Wagener

August 20, 2019

I am so saddened to lose Gary. I have such great memories from scouting years, church, his friendship with my older brother Wayne, and of course our love for everything "retro". Our love and prayers of comfort to you all.

Mark and Kim Mangels

Jim Edson

August 9, 2019

When I was a young boy scout in Troop 236 (First Baptist Church, Independence), Gary was one of the adult leaders. I remember his humor and liking his knowledge of cars. He helped me complete my Eagle project. Every know and then his name comes up when I talk to my Dad and brother about those days. Please know that Gary made an impact on the lives of the boys in the scout troop. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Linda Webb

August 8, 2019

Dave and I send our love and prayers to
The family. Gary was a good friend in high school. It was easy to see his love for Nancy.

Amanda Bendure

August 8, 2019

So sorry for your loss.

August 8, 2019

Nancy, so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. You and your family will be in our prayers.
David Wax

Jean LIBBY

August 7, 2019

Nancy,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Since we are unable to attend the service for Gary we wanted you to know that we will keep you in our prayers. This is especially meaningful to Jean because she lost her husband 38 years ago in the same way. But she says when you are a rider it is in the blood, a true love. We will miss Gary too, as we know many will.
May God Bless and Comfort you as you carry on without Gary.
Spark Needham and Jean Libby

Rex Stark

August 7, 2019

So sorry to hear of your Loss. Gary will be missed by his friends at McDonald Lodge 324

August 7, 2019

Nancy and family, we are shocked and saddened to hear of Gary's passing. We so enjoyed our friendship through the years and will remember what a caring, loving man he was.
Sincerely,
Judy and Ernie Grant

August 7, 2019

Nancy, Jennifer and Christina, We are so, so sorry to hear about your loss. Gary was a wonderful and caring man, husband, father and grandfather. Keep those precious memories close to your heart for comfort. We will be continuously praying for you. Please let us know if you need anything at all.
Jon and Khristina Irvine

Rudi and Kandi Lorenz

August 7, 2019

Nancy, Jennifer, Christina:
We are so sorry for your loss. You will continue to be in our prayers. We have been neighbors for so many years - Gary will be terribly missed in the neighborhood.
Remember we are there for you!

Patricia Robinson

August 7, 2019

My sympathy to your entire family!

Brian McAnany

August 7, 2019

Nancy, Shocked to hear of Gary's passing. My prayers and condolences to you and the family. Worked with Gary for many years. One of the nicest people I have ever known.

Wendy Shay

August 7, 2019

Our love and support are with the entire family. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.

Wendy, Tom, & Noah Garland

August 7, 2019

Nancy, We pray for you and your family. Gary has always been an important part of our Church and Sunday School family. We will all miss him. With Christ's love. Mike and Susan Crane

August 7, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave & JeNell Yoka

Patrick Steele

August 7, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a good man. Nancy and Christina, please know that you and your families are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Gary Barr's name

Memorial Events
for Gary Barr

Aug

9

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

First Baptist Church

500 W. Truman Rd., MO 64052

Aug

9

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

First Baptist Church

500 W. Truman Rd., MO 64052

Funeral services provided by:

Carson-Speaks Chapel

1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052

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