David Wallace “Dave” Barr II
David Wallace “Dave” Barr II, 86, of Winamac, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 25, at his home surrounded by family.
Dave was born on May 22, 1931, in Winamac to the late David and Clara (Dilts) Barr. Dave graduated from Winamac High School in 1949 and went on to attend Purdue University. On April 7, 1951, Dave married Virginia Olson in Winamac and they were married for 66 years. Together they operated Winamac Cleaners and Snow White Laundry for 34 years, which they purchased from Dave’s father in 1959. Dave also held an insurance and security license for many years.
Dave was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac where he had previously served on the church board. He was a volunteer fireman with the Winamac Fire Department for 40 years and served as fire chief for 11 years. He also was a deputy under former Pulaski County Sheriff George Riley. Dave was a member and past president of both the Winamac Kiwanis Club and chamber of commerce. He was also a member of the Jaycees. In 1972, Dave was chairman of the Winamac School Board during the construction of the new elementary school. In 2013, Dave’s dedication and years of service to the community were honored with the presentation of the distinguished H.J. Halleck MD Community Service Award.
Dave was a proud supporter of Purdue athletics and a member of the John Purdue Club for 45 years. He held a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying small planes. Dave enjoyed traveling, golfing and boating. Many wonderful summers were spent at the family cottage on Bass Lake where family and friends have gathered since 1904. Dave enjoyed socializing with local friends, especially over morning coffee (at various restaurants) for many years.
Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He faithfully attended his grandchildren’s activities and was a proud supporter of Winamac athletics. Dave loved his family and community very much and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife Virginia (Olson) Barr of Winamac; sons: Randy [Debbie] Barr of Montgomery, Texas, and Craig [Pam] Barr of Winamac; daughter Christine [Mike] Gilman of Winamac; grandchildren: Chad [Kristy] Gilman, Natalie Gilman, Justin [Megan] Barr, Heather [Ronald] Perry, Angela [Travis] Kovar, Lauren Barr and Emily Barr; great-grandchildren: Landon, Aubrey and Kylie Barr and Blair Perry; sister Marjorie Barr Thompson of Kettering, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents David Wallace Barr I and Clara C. (Dilts) Barr.
Visitation was 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. Rev. Thomas Hopewell officiated. Burial took place at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Bible Church or Baptist Children’s Home or Winamac Athletic Department.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Oct. 4, 2017)