Robert Webb Barr

BARR, Robert W. Kalamazoo Passed away January 5, 2013 at the age of 93. Bob was born in Detroit on December 28, 1919. He was raised in the Detroit area by his widowed father Relis and his maternal Uncle Alec and Aunt Marie Webb. As a young man he was a Latin scholar, athlete, actor and musician, and a summer guide at Greenfield Village. Bob graduated from Dearborn High School in 1938 and attended Yale University where he graduated in 1942 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation he worked for American Cyanamid until entering military service in April of 1943. Bob's military service included combat duty in the Pacific Theatre, flying 24 missions as the navigator and radar operator on B-29s from Tinian. He and the other crew members were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bob was honorably discharged in December 1945. While on active duty Bob married his high school sweetheart, Marion Squire, on December 17, 1944 in the chapel at Greenfield Village. He starting working for the Upjohn Company in 1946, first in antibiotics production and then in the International Division until his retirement in 1984, after 38 ½ years of service. In retirement Bob enjoyed his volunteer work for the Literacy Council and Meals-on-Wheels, playing his accordion at senior living residences, and his sailing hobby. In 1992 he reconnected with his wartime flight crew and greatly enjoyed their gatherings. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Marion in 2003, after 58 years of marriage. Surviving are his children, Irene Horvath of Kailua-Kona Hawaii, William of Augusta Michigan, Charles of Kalamazoo and Thomas also of Kalamazoo. Bob was a devoted husband and father, and will be deeply missed by his family. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place and private interment will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Senior Services of Kalamazoo, Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library or the Kalamazoo Air Zoo.