Roger "Butch" Leroy Barr of Steelville, Missouri was born on Saturday, May 18, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to Clarence "Jack" Leroy Barr and Vivian Eunice Marie (nee Earney) Barr and passed away on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 12 days.
As a young boy growing up in California, he had a brush with Hollywood as an extra in the movie Big Country.
Roger later made his way to Steelville, Missouri where he graduated from Steelville High School with the Class of 1964.
On August 4, 1964, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
After returning home, he attended Tarkio College in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned his certification in law enforcement. Roger served as Chief of Police in Salem, Missouri and later as Chief Juvenile Officer of the 42nd Circuit.
In later years, Roger worked as a bus driver and security guard at Bird’s Nest, helped out at Hutson Funeral Home and worked at the Meramec Music Theatre.
Roger married Jill Sigler in Steelville, Missouri.
He had accepted the Lord and was baptized by Pastor Alan Miles at Straightway Baptist Church.
He was a member of the Optimist Club in Salem and the Patriot Guard, and he loved the outdoors–especially kayaking and riding motorcycles.
In November of 2013, Roger met Dorothy Roland. They cherished their dog, Bella, and enjoyed trips to Branson–especially to see his favorite show, Clay Cooper.
He loved football, loyally cheering for the Oakland Raiders and, more recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a familiar face at the Spare Rib Inn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Vivian Barr; and brother, Fred Barr.
He is survived by his companion, Dorothy Roland of Steelville, Missouri; children, Heather and husband Michael Whitlock of Salem, Missouri and Brian Earls of Columbia, Missouri; sister, Sandy and husband David Hatcher of Steelville, Missouri; grandchildren, Ashley Bean of Imperial, Missouri, LTJG Kyle Bean and wife LTJG Anna of Naval Base Kitsap, Washington, Logan Bean and Paige Bean both of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.
Burial at Wesco Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
