Yondell Charles Barr

Yondell Charles Barr, 67 of Center, Texas went to be with his Savior Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 22, 1955, in Center to the late Yondell Barr and Billie Doggett Barr.

Charles made his home in Center his whole life. He was a 1974 graduate of Center High School and was chosen as Mr. CHS by his fellow classmates. He was active in sports and was a captain of his football team.

Charles married his high school sweetheart, Luciana Lawson Barr. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in June. They had two boys Charles Brent Barr and Blake Lawson Barr.

Charles worked as a young man in the forest industry. He later decided to finish his college degree and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Education following in his dad’s footsteps. Charles taught and coached at Center ISD and Joaquin ISD. He decided to change occupations after the tragic death of his son Brent in 2000.

Charles and his brother Steve began Barr Logging. They then sold the business, but continued working in the logging industry. He was then encouraged to run for public office as Shelby County Commissioner of precinct 3. He was elected and served a term of four years and did not seek another term.

Charles was instrumental in acquiring grants and improving the infrastructure of Shelby County. After retiring, he continued working in forestry until his illness prevented him from doing so.

Charles enjoyed hunting, raising cattle, spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, and his faithful dog Doobie. He was a devout Christian and felt a strong urgency in witnessing to others about Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Center his whole life and the Barnabas Sunday school class there. Charles taught 4th grade boys Sunday school for many years and helped with youth events and also taught senior youth. He was in the Christmas and Easter pageants held at First Baptist Church as well.

Charles had the opportunity to help reopen the North Jericho Baptist Church in Center that had not been having services for 25 years. This little church was such a blessing to him as his illness progressed.

Charles had an infectious smile and was a friend to many. Attributes that described him from those who knew and loved him said he was loyal, had integrity, great sense of humor, compassionate, a gentleman, best teacher ever, great guy, kind, role model, respected, blessing to others, nicest guy ever, amazing mentor and one of the good ones.

His life was a testimony of his love for others and his Lord. Romans 8:18 reads, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.”

That morning, surrounded by his family when his Lord called him home, he was healed of all his ailments, and he was walking in heaven with his Lord.

Charles is survived by his wife, Luciana Lawson Barr.

A son, Blake Lawon Barr and wife Alix.

Grandchildren Charles Brent Barr, Kennedi Barr, and Braylon Barr.

A sister, Gayla Horn and husband Larry.

Brothers Johnny Barr and wife Debbie; and Steve Barr and wife Tracy.

Sisters-in-law Debra Yarbrough and Sherry Lawson

Nieces, Ashley Wulf and husband Ben; and Amber Dubea and husband Robby.

Nephews Brandon Barr and wife Stacie, Justin Barr, Jordan Horn, Chad Barr and wife Darby, Cade Yarbrough and wife Traci, and Nathan Yarbrough.

A number of great nephews and nieces and a host of other family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Yondell and Billie Barr; a son, Charles Brent Barr; and father and mother-in-law Billy and Jean Lawson.

Visitation will be held prior to the memorial service at First Baptist Church in Center, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, from 9 a.m. to -11 a.m. with the memorial service following at 11 a.m. Brother Mike Belgard will be officiating.

The family would like to thank Elara Caring and Affinity Hospice for their care during Charles’ illness.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family consideration donations may be made to North Jericho Cemetery, c/o Johnny Barr, 954 FM 3082, Joaquin, Texas 75954 or Antioch Cemetery, c/o Terry Walton, 237 CR 3129, Center, Texas 75935.

There is a Catherine Pinkston Scholarship Fund set up at Farmers State Bank in memory of Yondell Charles Barr.