Milton Dean Barr

Milton "Dean" Barr, age 99, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born July 9, 1926, in Beecher City, IL, the son of James C. and Amanda (Grubaugh) Barr, and grew up in Mahomet, IL, where he graduated from Mahomet Community High School in 1944.

He married Eunice (Coffin) Barr (Pictured) and moved the family to California, where he worked for San Diego Gas & Electric until his retirement. Later, Dean and Eunice moved to Arkansas, where Dean raised chickens for Tyson Foods until retiring again, then went fishing.

Dean and Eunice were married for over 60 years until her passing in 2009. Their three children-Katherine (Barr) Nickel, Dennis Barr, and Elaine Rosie (Barr) Fitzgerald-also preceded him. Dean was preceded in death by thirteen siblings: sisters Alta, Beulah, Dorothy, Ina, Mary, and Mertie, and brothers Don, Cecil, Eugene, Jesse, John, Lewis, and Raymond.

Dean leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including hundreds of nieces, nephews, and countless spouses-far too many to name individually, a true testament to the strength and reach of his family tree. Dean also received loving care from many caregivers, including his niece Becky Barr, whose support was deeply valued. Special thanks to his nephew, James Sarver, who carefully managed Dean's affairs in his later years. James also organizes a large Barr family reunion every summer, which Dean loved to attend, and all family members are always welcome to join. James' dedication and care are greatly appreciated.

Four grandchildren survive Dean, Nancy (Nickel) Matherly of Lancaster, CA; William D. Nickel and wife Reena of Apache Junction, AZ; Amanda (Barr) Rauch of Vancouver, WA; and Nicole Hill of Colorado Springs, CO-along with three great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

The graveside memorial service will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens on September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., 4112 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, IL. Pastor Brandon Tipsword from Faith Baptist Church in Champaign, IL, will give the eulogy.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made to St. Bonaventure Indian Mission School, PO Box 610, Thoreau, NM 87323-0610. www.stbonaventuremission.org