David Jess Barr passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, at McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, with family at his side. He died from injuries from a car accident on Friday, Sept. 15.
Dave was born in Sahara Village — now known as Layton, Utah — on Sept. 26, 1946, to Charles Jess Barr and Deloris Ella Barr. He was their only child, but because of previous marriages he had brothers, Ferrin Barr (deceased) and Errol Barr of Firth, Idaho; and a sister, Arlene Bienz of Queen Creek, Arizona.
Dave did most of his growing up in Salt Lake City, attending Glendale Jr. High and South High School, graduating with the Class of 1965. He also attended College of Eastern Utah in Price, Utah, and Westminster College in Salt Lake City.
Dave was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many positions. He and Connie were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple Sept. 23, 1977. It was a beautiful day.
Dave loved sports. He started playing baseball as a youngster. He had a mean pitching arm and had to constantly prove his age because of his height. He was scouted by the Pirates and the Yankees.
During his junior year, his arm was injured and he was never able to recover. The basketball coach talked the tall, skinny kid into trying out for basketball his freshman year. He was soon the big man on campus! He also played some football.
Dave coached little league in Glendale for six or seven years. He loved the kids. He took a losing team and made them No. 1. He knew the game, he loved the game and he taught them well.
Dave worked in the truck parts industry for most of his life. He retired from Six State Dist. as the store manager after 31 years of service.
Dave married Connie Blockburger Barr, his high school sweetheart, on Feb. 25, 1966, after eloping to Elko, Nevada. Dave and Connie were married for 51 and a half years, but Dave would be Connie’s boyfriend forever.
Their life was simple and revolved around going to lunch, getting a Coke at Maverik, playing cards with friends, cruising in his 1969 Dodge Charger. The biggest event was going to see the children and grandchildren and attending different school and church events.
Dave recently adopted a 9-month-old terrier-chihuahua mix puppy from the shelter. Bandit loved Dave, and Dave was crazy about Bandit!
Dave is survived by his handsome sons, Brad of Casper, Chris of Lewiston, Utah, and Randy of San Antonio, Texas; his daughters-in-law; and 10 grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Brent, and brother, Ferrin.
A viewing was held on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan, Utah, from 6-7:30 p.m. Funeral services were at the LDS Nibley 2nd Ward Chapel, 360 W. 3200 S., on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m., with a viewing from 10:30-11:30 a.m., prior to the funeral. Memories and condolences may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net.
