Frederick Kunkel Barr

Frederick K. Barr, 93, of Grantham, PA passed away quietly at his home Monday, September 22, 2025.

   He was born March 3, 1932, in Harrisburg, PA to the late Delwin & Janet Barr.

   Fred was the widower of the late Doris E. (Keefer) Barr. They were married 71 years before her passing in 2022. He accepted Jesus at a tent revival when he was approximately 17 years old. He attended the Messiah Acadamy for his high school and was picked to play basketball on the College team when he was only still in high school. 

   Fred is survived by three sons, Dennis L. Barr ( Cindi) of Mechanicsburg, Keith D. Barr (Charlene) of Cumberland Furnace, TN, David E Barr of Mechanicsburg; one daughter Janette E. Baker ( Wayman) of Williamsport, MD. One younger brother Darrell Barr (Barbara) of North Carolina. Fourteen Grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by two siblings, Delwin Charles Barr of Camp Hill and Darlee Barr Jones of York Springs.

   He was an active member with Grantham Brethren in Christ Church for over 45 years. Served as a Sunday School Teacher of youth and a leader in Christian Service Brigade for many years. He was also very active in the Youth for Christ program in Harrisburg for many years.

   He also really enjoyed pitching on the church softball team at Grantham and helped organize & play in Basketball tournaments that were held in Messiah College gyms.

   When they joined Christian Life Assembly, Camp Hill PA he was quickly asked to help out in their Royal Ranger Program for Boys, similar to Boy Scouts, where he served for many years. Also involved in small group bible studies and in kitchen making communion bread.

   Fred returned to Grantham Brethren in Christ Church about 3 years ago as was quickly welcomed back and loved by many members.

   Both Fred & his wife Doris also served as substitute House parents at Milton Hershey School for 10+ years and really loved working with these boys. He loved playing basketball with these students and other sports which made him able to relate even better with these boys.

   He was active in a Mechanicsburg Area church bowling league for 50 + years and was also acting as treasurer for many of these years.

   Fred was also involved with the Grantham Memorial Park (Cemetary) acting as the treasurer for 27 years. He also enjoyed playing Golf, Tennis as long as he was able into his early 80's.

   He started out as a draftsman and then went to night school while working and raising 4 kids to earn his PE & EIT Degree, as a Civil Engineer. He then worked for both the PA Department of Highways and then the Bureau of Aviation which he retired in 1991.  His last few years he would make personal special occasion cards from scratch as he was still a good artist and shared his love of family. He made an impression with his kindness and his quick wit answers that he never lost even after his stroke and unable to move while in hospital and rehab. He will be missed by many but we rejoice that he is now reunited with the love of his life and with God!

    A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Grantham Brethren in Christ Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the church. 

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grantham Brethren in Christ Church, 421 Grantham Rd. Mechanicsburg PA.