Irwin B Barr

Irwin B. "Bill" Barr, 87, Altoona, went home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Dorothy, Wednesday morning at Altoona Regional. He was born in Altoona, son of the late John and Ada (Hauser) Barr. He married Dorothy W. Hippo on Dec. 31, 1946. After 52 years of marriage, she preceded him in death March 21, 1999. Surviving are two sons: Gregory and wife, Nancy, of Hatboro and Duane and wife, Kathryn, of Broken Arrow, Okla.; a granddaughter, Nichelle Barr Slavens and husband, Jeff, in Oklahoma; two great-grandchildren: Matthew and Makayla Slavens; a loving sister-in-law, Marlyne Deibler and husband, Neale; and a special friend, Annie Walk. In 1943, Bill joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in the Pacific Theater. While serving in Okinawa, he was wounded in action, receiving a Purple Heart. He returned home and graduated from Altoona High School in 1945. He then attended Purdue University, graduating with a degree in electrical technology. He retired as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in 1983 after 30 years of service. For many years, Bill and his wife carried on Barr's Peanut Brittle business begun by his parents during the Great Depression. Bill attended Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church. He was a charter member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, AARP and Altoona VFW Post 3, and he was the past president of the Horseshoe Drifters Chapter of National Campers and Hikers Association. He enjoyed his winter trips to Florida, being around people, camping, boating, garage sales and fishing. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all he met. Friends will be received from noon to 2 and 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2013, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata, followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m., Pastor David McClanahan officiating. Inurnment will be at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 100 W. Station Square Drive, Landmarks Building, Suite 1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (donations.diabetes.org).