VAN HORNE: Warren Richard "Bud" Barr, age 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Keystone Nursing Care Center with family by his side.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:45 PM, Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Phillips Family Center (605 2nd Avenue) Vinton. A Graveside service with military rites will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. The ceremony will be officiated by Don Logan, Van Horne.

Bud was born on a farm northeast of Vinton on October 18, 1924 to Lester "Bill" and Esther Duncklee Barr. The youngest of two children, Bud graduated from Urbana High School in 1942. He entered the Army on March 23, 1943 until he was honorably discharged on February 11, 1946. A World War II veteran, he was a member of the 3137 Signal Service Company where he served as a motor messenger. In this role, he was responsible for transporting secret, secure documentation and film between battlefields and headquarters in many European countries. Bud was very proud of his service and loved to talk about it.

Bud returned home where he found and married the love of his life, Bernadine "Bernie" (Nelson) Barr on November 23, 1946 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Bud would tease that he was a lucky man because his mother, sister, and wife all shared the same February 5 birth date. Bud and Bernie had two children, James (Barbara) and Pat. Bud and Bernie celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary before her passing on November 17, 2020.

.     Bud was employed at Wilson & Company in Cedar Rapids from 1946 through 1948. He was then employed by Ervin Motor Company between 1948 through 1952. From 1952 - 1972, Bud and Bernie farmed the family farm northwest of Van Horne. In 1972, they moved into Van Horne and Bud worked for Farm Service from 1973 until he retired in December, 1989.

Bud enjoyed traveling and taking care of his family. In 1967, he was chauffeur for his daughter-in-law, Barb, delivering her safely to his son in Louisiana, where Jim was serving in the Army. Bud and Bernie would take daily trips to the Vinton meal site, less frequent jaunts north to Pikes Peak in the fall, or to Indiana or Wisconsin for family reunions. For several months, Bud was a proud daily chauffeur for his grandson Brent, delivering him to and from work in Cedar Rapids. For grandson Bryan, it was a trip to the emergency room to mend a broken leg.

Bud and Bernie loved to dance and were devotedly present at any and all family functions to which they received an invite. They enjoyed being included in the celebrations and they were always present. Their home had an open door policy for guests. They enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, and providing a great meal to any guest at any time.

Bud had a dry sense of humor, could tell a story for miles, and enjoyed meeting people. He was amazingly adept at finding a connection to every person he met or their family. He is remembered for his "steel trap of a mind" and for being an honest, kind man with a caring soul.

Bud was a 63-year faithful member of the Salem United Methodist Church, Van Horne and he held a 79-year membership to the American Legion Post 148, Van Horne.

Bud is survived by his daughter Pat; daughter-in-law Barbara; grandchildren Brent, Bryan (Kelly), and Bridget; great-grandchildren: Noah and Nash; many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester "Bill" and Esther Duncklee Barr; sibling Mary Belle McPartland (Bernard), wife Bernadine (Nelson) Barr, and his son, James Barr.

The family would like to thank the Keystone Nursing Care Center, Mercy Hospice, and Compassus Hospice for their care of Bud for the last several years. We are extremely thankful for the special treats and many visits Bud received from Bridget Barr, Rick Ransom, Deb Drahos, Kathy Tumilty, and so many other family members and friends in the community.

Condolences may be sent to 106 10th Street, Van Horne, Iowa, 52346.

Online Condolences www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com