Michael Wesley Barr

Michael Wesley Barr, 68, of Louisville Kentucky, passed away on December 29, 2017. Michael was born on July 30, 1949, in New Albany, Indiana, to the late Wesley Homer Barr and Mary Elizabeth Barr (née Nelson). He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Michelle Barr, and survived by his daughters, Melissa Shields, Marci Thomas (Donald), and Monica Gonzalez (Javier); 12 siblings; beloved grandchildren, Candice Shields, Cameron Parker, and Akim Olivero Gonzalez; and a host of nieces and nephews. Michael leaves behind a plethora of friends, including lifelong pals, Mildred LaMarr and Dale Williams.

Michael was a Retiree of the Kentucky & Indiana Railroads, having proudly rendered 12 years of service. Michael was known for his sharp mind, marked style, impeccable manner, and, above all, his kind-heartedness. It has been said that Michael left no candle half burned, no cup unemptied. He lived fearlessly and passionately and, in all things, celebrated the gift of life. A devoted lover of Jazz and the Arts, Michael shared his heart through the joy of music and craftsmanship, reaching across the divide to touch whomever he met. In his last years, he enjoyed detailing his favorite Cadillacs and curating his treasured historical guns collection, hobbies that reflected his ardor for both the practical and the finer things in life.

He will be forever missed by those who held him close, but it is in celebration of the life he lived that his daughters lay him to rest.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2017, at Newcomer Funeral Home (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany) with his Funeral Service taking place at 12:00 p.m. Private burial will follow at West Haven Cemetery in New Albany.

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