Barr, Gordon (1926-2008)

BARR, GORDON, MCKENNA, BOUGHTON, PLAGGE, MAXWELL

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 1/3/2009 at 21:58:20

Webster City Daily Freeman-Journal Dec. 17, 2008

Gordon Barr of Webster City died December 15, 2008 at Hamilton Hospital after a short illness. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20 at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center at 1 p.m. There will be a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 11 a.m.

Gordon Barr, was born March 18, 1926 on a farm southwest of Webster City. He was the son of Lewis E. and Bertha Gordon Barr. His birth mother passed away two days after he was born. When only days old, he came to the home of an uncle and aunt, Alva J. and Hazel Barr, where he was raised as a son. As an adult Gordon referred to his biological family as his "earthly family" and his adopted family as, simply, his family. He maintained relationships with both families through the years.

As a boy, Gordon attended Coal School south of Webster City and helped out on the family farm. In his adult years, he worked for the Middleton Creamery and feed store, Les's DX Station, and Campbell Sawmill. In later years, he operated his own lawn mowing business.

In 1965, he and his mother Hazel moved from the family farm to a house in Webster City. He provided loving and excellent care for Hazel until her passing in 1973.

Upon his retirement, Gordon delighted in taking care of his home and in visiting with neighbors. He was especially close to neighbors Rod and Sandy Hicok and their children.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Alva and Hazel, and by brothers Wayne Barr, Russell Barr and Donald Barr. He is survived by nieces Judy (Barr) McKenna, June (Barr) Boughton, and nephew John Barr (children of Wayne), and by niece Penny (Barr) Plagge, and nephews Larry Barr and Roger Barr (children of Russell Barr). His nephew James Barr and niece Janet Barr, children of Wayne Barr, preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his earthly parents and earthly brothers Millard, Robert (Bob) and Lewis S. Barr. He is survived by nephew Jack Barr and niece Joyce (Barr) Maxwell, children of Lewis S. Barr.

Gordon was a member of the Asbury Methodist Church. Family members ask that memorials be given to the Asbury Methodist Church.