Lt. Col. Milton Francis Barr
May 24, 1951 ~ March 30, 2025
Born in:
Marshall, Missouri
Resided in:
Jefferson City, Missouri
Lieutenant Colonel Milton Francis Barr (MOARNG, ret.), age 73, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday March 30, 2025, at his residence.
Milton was born on May 24, 1951, in Marshall, Missouri to Lawrence and Lucille Kathryn (Gramlich) Barr.
Milt grew up in Marshall, Missouri and attended Mercy Catholic High School before transferring to Marshall High School where in his senior year he was a member of the 1969 State Runner up football team. Upon graduation he attended Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) where he studied business and was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. Milt graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. A lifelong seeker of knowledge, he continued his education and earned two master’s degrees, an MBA and MPA from William Woods University and the University of Missouri Columbia, respectively. Milt was also active in professional organizations earning Certified Governmental Finance Manager (CGFM) with the AGA (American Government Accountants).
While in college Milt met his future wife Cherie Berilla Vesser, and were married March 9, 1974, at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marshall, Missouri. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage and in 2024, during their fiftieth year, traveled each month exploring as far as Ireland — a place he and his wife always dreamed of visiting.
Milt was dedicated to service and in that spirit, he chose a career with the Missouri Army National Guard, retiring in 2000 after 30 years of distinguished service. Milt retired “for good” in 2012 after continuing his service with an additional 10 years at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the Soil & Water Conservation division.
Along with learning Milt had a passion for trout fishing, travelling, the KC Chiefs, MU Tigers, and landscaping. He was curious by nature and loved discovering how things work or how to solve a problem. Once he set his mind on something he almost certainly achieved that goal whether it was deep sea fishing, motorcycle riding, or earning his private pilot’s license.
Most of all, Milt loved his wife and family, especially his grandchildren. To them he was known as Pop-Pop, the man who took them fishing, to the beach, and who had an inexhaustible vault of jokes.
Survivors include his wife, Cherie; two children, Nicholas (Kari) Barr, Raleigh, North Carolina; Katherine (Bradley) Morrow, Jefferson City; and four grandchildren, Claire and Brooke Barr, and Bennett and Finnegan Morrow; two sisters, Marilyn (Robert) Rowland, Kansas City, Missouri; and Joyce (David) Nelson, Marshall, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Delbert Barr; a sister, Nancy Barr; and a niece, Renee Rowland.
Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.
Graveside services with military honors will be conducted at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri at 1 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025.
Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.
trimblefunerals.com
Services
Visitation: Sunday, April 6, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Trimble Funeral Homes
3210 North Ten Mile Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Graveside Service: Monday, April 7, 2025 1:00 pm
Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery
1479 County Road 1675
Jacksonville, Missouri 65260
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Milton was my 3rd cousin and pledge father to the fraternity when a started college at CMSU he and my 1st cousin Bob Barr were Seniors and room mates, and my sister age, the Barr clan was a big family back in Marshall Mo. we all went to the same schools and Church in those days, and he was a genuine nice guy, so sorry for the loss to you family. I have no doubt he left his make on the Mo National Guard over these years, once my Mom passed on in 2015 we have not been back to Marshall as much, but made the drive for years. The Steve Purcell Family, Bryan/College Station ,TX.
I grew up in Marshall and went to St. Peters Grade School and Mercy High School. I remember the Barr family fondly. Sending my sincerest sympathy to Milt’s family and hope all the wonderful memories you have of him bring you comfort in the days ahead.
I knew Milt as Nick and Kate’s dad when Nick and I were in school and scouts together in Lee’s Summit, MO. Milt was always one of the Scout Leaders/Dads we hoped would be on the weekend camping trips because he had no problem showing us how to setup a tent, light a cooking fire, tell us a new joke, or throw the football around with us. I remember stopping in unannounced at the Barr house in Jefferson City when I was traveling down there for work in 2003, and he and Cherie immediately recognized me and welcomed me in for a bit. Even though I hadn’t seen them in almost 10 years at that point, it was like nothing had changed. Truly one of the best people I ever had the pleasure of meeting.
RIP, Milt.
Several years ago he got to ring the bell on opening day for trout season in Bennett Springs. A very exciting experience for an avid fisherman. I remember being fascinated by the flies he tied for fly fishing.
Milt was good at making people feel like close family even if they were a friend or extended family. That’s the best way I know to describe him. He will be missed more than words can ever say.
Cherie and family, I am sorry for your loss. This is the time to draw nearer to God and let him comfort you. It’s been so long since I have seen you but always in my heart. Love you always. Bev Vesser.