Lawrence T. Barr's Obituary
Lawrence Thomas Barr, age 96, of Yates Center, KS passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016 in Wichita, KS. Lawrence was born on January 9, 1920 to Chester and Anna (Goloby) Barr in a rural area west of Humboldt, KS.
On July 26, 1942 he married Lorraine Awalt at her parent’s home in rural Yates Center. They had recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. Lorraine survives him at an assisted living center in Wichita.
Lawrence worked at Ash Grove Cement Plant in Chanute for over 35 years. He also farmed and raised cattle and served as the superintendent of the Maple Grove Church for several years. He was a member of the Maple Grove Church until it closed and then became a member of the Humboldt United Methodist Church.
In his free time Lawrence loved to hunt, play music, tell stories, and to be with his family. He was an excellent shot and had numerous hunting dogs which he used to hunt coons with his helper and hunting companion: a trained coon mule named Leroy who hunted with him for nearly 45 years. Lawrence played music from an early age. He played the guitar, fiddle and the French harp all without formal training. He formed a dance band named Larry & the J’s and they played the ‘Kansas Circuit’ at many Legions and VFW’s. He was also a member of the Kansas Old Time Fiddlers and Pickers. He was described as being a good and fair man and his children remember him encouraging them to love one another and never give up.
Lawrence is survived by:
Wife:
Lorraine Barr of the home
Children:
Carolyn (Bill) Standifer Whitaker of Wichita, KS
Judy (Ray) Ragone of Kansas City
Jim (Kathy) Barr of Lebo, KS
John Barr of Emporia, KS
12 Grandchildren
25 Great Grandchildren
1 Great-Great Granddaughter
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and his 4 brothers: Richard, Chester, Harold and Clarence.
A funeral service will be held Friday, September 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Humboldt United Methodist Church in Humboldt, KS. A visitation will be held prior to the service on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 1-2 p.m. at the Church. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Families request memorials to the Humboldt United Methodist Church and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 908 Central, Humboldt, KS 66748.
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