William Barr

William E. "Bill" Barr, resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 7, 2012, at the age of 86. He was born on June 6, 1925, in Chama, New Mexico, to A.K. and Mary (Pound) Barr. In New Mexico, he was one of the last four boys to attend and graduate from the rigorous Los Alamos Ranch School (the site the U.S. Army transformed to the Manhattan Project where the world's first atomic bombs were developed). This prepared and inspired Bill to excel and succeed throughout his life. Whether it was fly-fishing, academics, serving his country or God, his thriving career, or being a devoted family man, Bill Barr was an extraordinary man whose life will never be duplicated, but should be imitated. Bill was a graduate of Cornell University where he attained a Bachelor's degree in both Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. He joined the United States Navy serving as Lieutenant Jr. Grade before being honorably discharged in September of 1946. He then began his 41 year career working for Phillips Petroleum Company. Bill's career was highlighted in 1987, when he led the Ekofisk Lift Project, saving what continues to be one of the most important oil fields in the North Sea. Prior to his retirement as Sr. Vice President of Engineering, he oversaw the construction of Phillips' Plaza Office Building in downtown Bartlesville. Bill was united in marriage to Phyllis Reno on February 22, 1948, in Phillips, Texas. They were blessed with four children. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, wonderful dad, and loving "Pops". Bill was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church, Bartlesville, the National Society of Professional Engineers, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and Hillcrest Country Club. He was a self-taught golfer who achieved the insurmountable, a hole-in-one, a formidable bridge player, master steak griller, and well-equipped Spanish linguist, who could fix anything with a coat hanger and duct tape. He was preceded in death by: his parents, A.K. and Mary Barr and one sister, Gail Roper. Bill is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Barr; four children: son, Ken Barr and his wife, Nanci; son, John Barr and his wife, Virginia Kibler; son, Mike Barr; and daughter, Tricia Barr Derryberry; seven grandchildren: Renée Wensel and her husband, Duke; Kim Frueh and her husband, Jason; Amber Derryberry and her husband, Dave Warnke; Nicki Derryberry, Mandi Derryberry, Jason Barr, and Rachael Barr; three great grandchildren: Houston Ross IV, Faeryn Frueh, and Logan Warnke; one brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Roper; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. In Bill's memory and honor, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Visitation Details

Friday, March 9th, 2012 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home

Service Details

Saturday, March 10th, 2012 11:00am, First Baptist Church - Bartlesville

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville