Robert Francis Barr

Robert Francis Barr, 84, of Trenton, Michigan, dear husband of Debbie Barr, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Bob will be lying in repose beginning at 11 AM and a Requiem Mass will take place at 12 PM. Both celebrations will be held at Our Lady of the Scapular (formerly Our Lady of Mount Carmel), 976 Pope John Paul II Avenue, Wyandotte, MI 48192.

Bob was loved by many and known for his selfless nature, his tireless work ethic, his serious nature with dry humor, and his sharp, quick wit. He loved life. He was a devoted father and grandfather who relished spending time with his family, no matter the distance.

He was preceded in joining the Lord by his parents Robert and Thelma, his sister Betty, and brother Tim. He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Davies); his five children Matthew (Beth) Barr, Andrew (Rochelle) Barr, Ted (Leslie) Barr, Karen (Grant) Morgan, and Russell (Nancy) Barr; his 19 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob’s formative years were spent in Detroit where he attended St. Scholastica Catholic Grade School and Benedictine Catholic High School, graduating with the charter class of 1959. He moved on to the University of Michigan in Dearborn, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Professionally, Bob retired as a Captain from the Michigan Army National Guard after 22 years of service. He worked at Ford Motor Company in finance for over 30 years. In retirement, he stayed occupied serving others through community service by substitute driving the Trenton school bus and by working as an Enrolled Agent at H & R Block, focusing on the elderly and individuals in lower tax brackets.

Bob saw the Lord in everyone, especially children, the disabled, and the less fortunate, and he offered considerable amounts of time and treasure in service of others. He spent years in the Jaycees, including as a JCI Senator. He spent countless hours serving as pack master for Cub Scout Pack 1730, up to twenty years after his son left the pack. He was a member of the Trenton Exchange Club and the St. Joseph School Dads Club. He sold fund-raising raffle tickets for the Robert H. Jones Knights of Columbus for many years. He served as the Vegas tent chairman during the Trenton Midsummer Festival for St. Joseph Parish and during the parish festival for Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He also served on the Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish council for one term. He felt service to others was very important and ended up on the board of every service group.

Reading, sports, puzzles, word games, board games, trivia, museums, the Sunday comics, camping at Camp Dearborn with extended family, gardening, traveling, and hosting were Bob’s interests and hobbies. He was once accused of reading the Trivial Pursuit answers before games, but his mind really was just a steel trap for knowledge. Every word in museum exhibits would be read, and the Mathematica exhibit at The Henry Ford fascinated him. He was always curious when a volunteer plant sprouted in his yard and waited until it was grown so that he could identify it. An offer for a game of Scrabble was never turned down. He enjoyed putting together Guesstimates and word games for family and scout parties. His spaghetti recipe is famous in the family and was made for every Christmas party. Bob and Debbie enjoyed multiple trips to Rome and the United Kingdom. His sister Betty joined for a pilgrimage to Rome where they were privileged to meet Saint John Paul II and be blessed individually. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation