Ron Barr

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ronald Lloyd Barr (“Ron”), 93, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. He was born on May 8, 1932, in Webb City, Missouri.

He was raised in St. Joseph, Missouri by his parents, Stoney and Olive Barr. He then graduated from University of Missouri NROTC program, before commissioning in the Navy in 1955. He was an active-duty Navy aviator for 24 years living in California, Hawaii and Europe. He led a distinguished career in the Navy, including a command of VXN-8, a P-3C squadron based in Patuxent River, Maryland. He retired in 1978 as a Navy Captain.

After the Navy, Ron embarked on a second career as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch and then Dean Witter and Wheat First Securities. In the later years of life, he enjoyed travel, community and friends. He was a member of First Community Church of Joplin where he had many friends. Other friend groups included morning coffee at The Joplin Greenhouse & Coffee Shop and any former military veteran who shared his bond of service.

In his closing days, Ron was studying Ecclesiastes. Hie lived his life as a loving example of Ecclesiastes 9:7-10: “Go, eat your bread with joy, drink your wine with a merry heart … Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with might.” Ron loved to eat out with friends and share a toast. In addition, he always remembered those less fortunate and fed others in nursing homes and food banks. He lived life with purpose and zest.

Ron is survived by his son, David, his two grandsons, Ryan and Taylor Barr, and his loving companion for the last 6 years of his life, Ruth Kost. He was preceded in death by his parents and his former wives Beverly Jean Barr and Ruth Ann Barr.

Ron will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will host a Celebration of Life ceremony at First Community Church of Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Community Church at https://fccjoplin.com/