Douglas R. Barr

Douglas R. Barr, Sr., age 96 of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2024, surrounded by family. He was the loving husband of Marjorie Cann Barr for 75 years.

Doug was born on July 11, 1927, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.  He was the third of five siblings born to Harry R. Barr and Anna Mann Barr.  At the age of 7, the Barr family purchased a farm on Strasburg Road in Marshallton, where Doug and his siblings spent their childhood years walking to school, ice skating, attending dances, and frequenting the Brandywine Picnic Park for entertainment. While attending Marshallton School, Doug spent time in the same class as his future wife, where they got to know one another as kids. When the war began, the family moved back to Upper Darby for a brief period before returning to their beloved farm- which, after a few different owners, is now back in the family, owned by his son, Doug Jr.

Doug graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the U.S Army for two years during World War II.  Doug reconnected with Marge one Sunday at church back in Marshallton, the beginning of a beautiful love story.  He attended the University of Maryland and after they married, went on to graduate from West Chester University and began a career in sales for the Esco Cabinet Company. Together they built a family and settled on what would become home to many generations- a 60-acre farm, Sycamore, on Lucky Hill Road in Marshallton, originally part of the Esco Farms.

Doug spent the majority of his career working as a stockbroker and financial advisor at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, alongside his two sons.  He served as the branch manager of Dean Witter for many years, was a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, the Elks Club, the Chamber of Commerce, coached Little League, and was a supporter of the Boy Scouts, serving on the committee of Marshalton Troup 52 for many years. He also served on the boards of the Ryerss Horse Farm, the Marshallton United Methodist Church, the East Bradford School Board, and the AAVS.  With a work ethic admired by all, he found a way to help everyone he could.

Dancing together was one of Doug and Marge’s favorite pastimes, especially country dancing, and they would find great venues close to home as well as on their many adventures. Doug also was eager to travel with his wife and family. From Disney World to the western towns of Wyoming, they relished in the opportunity to see all our country had to offer. 

He listened to every Yankees game he could, took great pride in his ‘36 Ford, and enjoyed ice cream any time of day, especially Dairy Queen.  At home, he took pleasure tending to his garden, fox hunting with his wonderful horse Passport, and making sure the pool sparkled.  From hosting softball games and cookouts to picking apples and enjoying life on the farm, Doug’s interests were many, and live on through his children.

During annual summer trips to the shore, he would greet the sunrise while riding bikes on the boardwalk with family, spend time each morning at Oves catching up with friends over coffee, and ease into evening with a happy hour on the porch, looking out at the ocean.

Doug was dedicated in everything he did, loved his family beyond measure, and always gave us a reason to smile. Forever in our hearts, he truly had a wonderful life and blessed all of us with his love and kindness.

Doug was predeceased by sister, Nancy Barr Herrmann, as well as his brothers Harry D. Barr, Charles J. Barr, Paul V. Barr. In addition to his wife, Marjorie, Doug is survived by his loving children, Doug Barr, Jr., Sally Barr Pardue (Gary), and John Barr (Gail); Pop-Pop’s influence will continue to shine through his six grandchildren, Heather Pardue Thompson (Christopher), Jared Pardue, Ryan Pardue (Sarah), Steven Barr, Elizabeth Barr, and Catherine Anne Barr.  The love of family, and traditions he began, will carry on through his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Thompson, Oliver Thompson, Lincoln Thompson, Everly Pardue, and Adeline Pardue, all of whom brought him so much joy.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Evans and Doris Hume, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on June 1, 2024, at 2pm at the Marshallton United Methodist Church, 1282 W. Strasburg Road, West Chester, Pa 19382. Live Streaming will be available Here. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Marshallton United Methodist Church.