Thomas R. Barr, age 79, lifelong Bellville resident and community leader passed away peacefully at home, one week shy of his 80th birthday, surrounded by his family.
He was born September 15, 1943, in Mansfield to the late Raymond and Evelyn (Butler) Barr, and graduated from Bellville High School in 1961.
Fate was in his corner when met Nancy Vail and they were married on May 25, 1963.
A dedicated worker, Tom built a reputation for hard work during his 35-plus years at General Motors.
Tom excelled in all athletics including football, track, and baseball but football was his love. He was initiated into the Clear Fork Valley Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 along with his teammates from the 1957 football team.
He joined the Clear Fork Athletic Boosters in 1962 and served as either president or vice president from 1969 to 1980.
Tom was deeply committed to the Bellville “Worlds” Fair Board for 54 years, making him one of the longest-serving members.
He is survived by his children and their spouses Sherri (Jeannie) Brokaw of Bellville, Tomas Roy, Jr. “Tommy” (Becky) Barr of Converse, IN, and Kerri (Jeff) Gottfried of Bellville; seven grandchildren Nikki (Donald) Traxler, Josh (Liz) Brokaw, Teddy Muntan, Thomas, III “Buck” Barr, Camery (Blake) Pence, Darian (Hailey Franklin) Gottfried, and Hallie Gottfried; four great-grandchildren Maddie and Wade Traxler and Brantley and Ryker Pence; siblings Raymond (Sharon) Barr, Phil (Sue) Barr, John (Linda) Barr and Luanne (Larry) Dill; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Judi (Bill) Gaskill, Dave (Deb) Vail, Mike Vail, Brent (Janie) Vail, nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Kay Barr and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jay and Marty Vail.
The Barr family hosted visitation, Monday, September 11, 2023 from 3-7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where the service in celebration of his contributions to family and community will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Pastor Jonathan Stuft will officiate and burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.
Memorial donations in honor of Tom may be made to The Clear Fork Valley Athletic Hall of Fame or Taking Root Farms (which enables kids and adults with disabilities continued learning and life skill opportunities).
To read the entire obituary and view Tom’s tribute video, please visit sndyerfuenralhomes.com.
