HOPE
Byron R. “Barney” Carr, 84, died of natural causes Wednesday morning, July 1, 2020, doing what he loved, working outside on his family property.
Byron was born in 1936 at the Columbus Hospital to Eugene V. and Inez Carr. He attended Columbus High School where he graduated in 1954.
After high school, Byron joined the Army and served with the 11th Airborne Division. Following his military service, he attended Indiana University.
Byron started his career in the construction industry immediately after college and built many homes in and around Columbus. In 1964, Byron and Jim Dunn formed Carr & Dunn Construction, the very first home remodeling company in Columbus. In 1970, Byron established Carr Construction.
Civic minded, Byron sought out avenues to serve the people of Columbus and help his beloved hometown move forward. He served on the Bartholomew Consolidated School Board from 1969 to 1972, was Director and member of the Evening Kiwanis Club for 25 years, was President of the Bartholomew County Home Builders Association, Director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce for two years, a member of the Eastern Bartholomew County Sewage Board for three years, Chairman of the Business Division of the United Way, served on the Bartholomew County School Advisory Task Force, the Bartholomew County Council for 12 years, the Bartholomew County Planning Commission for seven years, the Senior Center Board of Directors, the Bartholomew County Corrections Advisory Board for 12 years and was a County Commissioner for eight years.
Over his lifetime, Byron had been recognized with numerous accolades for his dedicated community service. One, of which he was most proud, was The Sagamore of the Wabash Award presented in 2002.
Byron was a member in good standing with the National Association of Remodelers and the National Association of Home Builders.
An active member of First Christian Church of Columbus since 1955, Byron served as elder and trustee for many years.
Byron is preceded in death by his sister, Rentha Park and brother-in-law, Larry Finkle. He is survived by Marilu, his wife of almost 65 years. Together they raised three children, Denise Anderson, Jeanine Franke and John Carr. Byron is also survived by five grandchildren, Lindsey Bishop, Joshua Carr, Katherine Peters, Johnathan Timm and Erin Anderson; three great-granddaughters, with another great-grandchild on the way in December; five nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law; and several cousins.
Byron had a strong work ethic, a generous spirit and was widely known for his fairness and honesty; traits that guided him and served him well throughout his life. Byron enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He was a master woodworker and later in life took great pleasure in creating projects in his workshop, gifting many of them to family and friends.
It may be said of Byron Carr, that he loved God and his family and over the years made many wonderful lifetime friends. This humble, loving, husband, father, grandfather, community leader and friend of Columbus, will be missed.
The funeral service celebrating the life of Byron Carr will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at First Christian Church. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 1 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. We do ask that patrons follow the social distancing guidelines and recommend that masks are worn once inside the church. In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation will take place following the funeral service.
A private committal service and inurnment will be at Hope Moravian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church Carillon (Tower) Fund.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaveglick.com.
Caring service is being provided by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
