Richard S. Barr, age 81, of New Castle, died Wednesday, January 28, 2009 in his home following a brief illness. He was born April 4, 1927 in Madison, Illinois, a son of the late Waldo and Willa (Cook) Barr.
He was plant and office manager for New Castle Structural Steel for many years. He owned and operated Barr Cycle Sales and Service in New Castle from 1974 to 1985. He also owned and operated Castle Pawn Shop in New Castle established in 1992. A member of the Indiana Pawnbrokers Association, he was also a member of the National Pawnbrokers Association. He served in the Navy during WWII. Richard was an avid golfer; however, his favorite pastime was spending time with his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Ric (wife, Donna) Barr of New Castle, JoAnn (husband, Richard) Schwalbe of Winchester, KY, and Cathy (husband, Kerry) Vonderheide of New Castle; six grandchildren, Kim and Jennifer Barr, both of New Castle, Sara Merrill of New Castle, Jordan Schwalbe of Winchester, KY, Emily and Evan Vonderheide, both of New Castle; a great granddaughter, Lilly Merrill; a sister, Diana Meuth of Torrance, CA; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Barr in 1990, a sister, Midge Pursell, a sister JoAnn Barr and a brother, Ralph Barr.
At Richard’s request, services will be private and there will be no public visitation. Memorial contributions may be given to the Richard S. & Bobbie J Barr Scholarship Fund c/o Henry County Community Foundation 700 S Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Online condolences may be sent at
www.hinsey-brown.com
.