Russell E. “Bud” Barr, 92, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 6:18 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at his home.
He was born July 5, 1932, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Russell F. and Jewel (Dare) Barr. On March 23, 1951, he married Norma Jean Correll, and she preceded him in death on August 31, 2020.
Bud attended area one-room schools and graduated from Woodlawn High School. He was a member of Boyd Christian Church, and served as an elder deacon, and was supportive of youth and special programs. Bud worked for many years as a railroad carman, and served on the Boyd Cemetery Association and with the Jefferson County Historical Society. He was also a veteran of the United States Army. He loved his adventures in his Gator both around his property and neighborhood and enjoyed fishing. He also loved nature, from gardens to farming, as well as flowers, both wild and the flowers grown by him and his wife, around their home. He loved people and making connections with all whom he met.
Bud is survived by one daughter, Diane (Barr) Jones and husband Harold of Mt. Vernon; two granddaughters, Chris (Jones) Shopinski and husband Johnny of Mt. Vernon, and Nicole (Jones) Brown and husband Mike of Mt. Vernon; and one great-grandson, Christopher Brown.
In addition to his wife, Norma Jean Barr, he was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Jewel Barr; brother, Tom Barr and wife Mary; and sister, Betty Mead and husband Ed.
Funeral services for Bud will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Boyd Christian Church, with Terry Harmon officiating. Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Boyd Christian Church and will be accepted at the service or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.
