Richard Eric Barr, Sr.

7/3/1970 - 9/8/2025

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Obituary For Richard Eric Barr, Sr.

Richard Eric Barr, Sr., 55, died peacefully at his home on Monday, September 8, 2025, after his heroic, but impossible to win, battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Richard was born on July 3, 1970, in Wheeling, WV, a son of Herman “Curt” (Vicky) Barr & Susan (Larry) Trader.

Richard was a 1988 graduate of Brooke High School. He was a proud member of the US Army, stationed at Fort Bragg with HHB 18th Field Artillery Brigade Airborne and deployed in 1990 to Kuwait, serving in Operation Desert Storm. Richard retired from the Social Security Administration in Steubenville in May of 2024 due to his ALS diagnosis.

Richard is survived by his parents; loving wife Wendy Whisman Barr; children Morgan (Slade) Takach & Richard “RJ” Eric Barr, Jr.; sisters Melissa Barr, LeAnne Mazik Starr & Jennifer (Ray) Gomez; brother Michael Mazik; granddaughters Cydney & AnnaLee; mother-in-law Carol Whisman and brother-in-law Kevin (Bobbi) Whisman.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 4 p.m. with Nick Timms officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery.

Richard’s family would like to thank the Cleveland VA ALS Clinic Team, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Valley Hospice, with very special thanks to Gwen & Andrea.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Tri-State Young Marines, PO Box 2502, Weirton, WV 26062 or to the ALS association at als.org.

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Condolences

  • 09/16/2025

    Wendy, Morgan and families, I am saddened to read that Richard is not with us. He was a cool dad that cared about the welfare of this family. Mary Lucas

  • 09/13/2025

    What Richard left behind is a legacy for his family to really appreciate and be proud of, as he exemplifies the word soldier. He was a defender of his country, family, friends and of course freedom. I could tell everyone a story of courage while under the duress of combat, but that wouldn't really surprise anyone who knew him. So, what I will tell you is the funny story of his promotion to a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO). Richard was a member of the Communication Unit under the Headquarters Headquarters Battery 18th Field Artillery Brigade Airborne. Many of us were lower enlisted soldiers during deployment and built a small by great bond between one another during this period and it was only strengthened once we returned. It was great building such a strong camaraderie at such an early stage of our lives, but it was also a gigantic pain in the backside once one of us were promoted to the NCO level. I'd love to say we gave Rich the respect he deserved for achieving such a great honor, but truth be told we gave him H.E. double hockey sticks. Our platoon sergeant would put him in charge of a detail and it was like putting the big brother who is two years older in charge of the young brother. Most times Rich would get disciplined for working along side of us rather than supervising our work. But one thing about him was he would always shoulder the responsibility and not out any of us for disorderly behavior. So when it came to shining like a brand new penny during inspections, we always gave credit for being squared away to Rich. He was the kind of person who you could really respect and wanted to follow because you knew he would get his hands dirty to help accomplish the mission. Brother you will be missed and I know in my heart of hearts that you traded your parachute for golden angel wings. AATW Our sincerest condolences, Reggie Russell and family

  • 09/13/2025

    RIP my friend. Our heartfelt condolences to Richard's family and friends. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜☦️☦️

  • 09/11/2025

    Thank you to my dear, best friend Wendy for bringing Richard, an extraordinary man into my life. He was kind, compassionate and always put others first, especially his family. We shared a love for Wendy and brussel sprouts. His smile and sense of humor were infectious, rest in peace my dear friend and know how much you were loved. Tammy Moses

  • 09/11/2025

    Our deepest condolences and sympathy to everyone, Our thoughts and prayers go out the entire Barr Family and Friends. Richard fought a courageous battle never giving up. Richard was an awesome soldier , paratrooper, father, husband and a friend. Richard was an inspiration to all that knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Airborne! The Mlynski family

  • 09/11/2025

    My dad was the strongest man I've ever known. He will forever be with us no matter what. I know he is up there with the best view to watch us all live our lives to the fullest. I love and miss you daddy.

  • 09/10/2025

    Wendy, Morgan Rj and Family. I'm so very sorry for the loss and sadness that you're feeling right now. Think of Richard as the kind and strong brave man that he was. He is Whole. And you will see him again. Hugs and Prayers Love Deb

  • 09/09/2025

    I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you & your family

  • 09/09/2025

    Richard, you were one of the good ones. Thank you for loving my best friend the way you did. You will always be missed. Our tears of sadness today will become tears of joy and laughter when Wendy, Tiffeny, and I all get together to remember you. You did so much for the kids and me that I'll never forget. Ill try to be there for Wendy, Morgan, RJ, and the girls. Love, lynnette Sherman

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