Billy O'Barr Sr.

Billy L. O’Barr Sr. age 80, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family and his dog Bandit. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois, with military rites being accorded by the Savanna VFW Post #2223. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Billy’s memory.
Billy was born March 1, 1935, in Donna, Texas to Leona Blanche Noell. Leona passed away when Billy was very little, and he was taken in and raised by Goldie Geisbrecht. When he was a teenager, he worked in the oil fields as a pipefitter in Texas through North Dakota. Following high school, Billy honorably served his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea during the Korean War. He later graduated from DeVry University with a degree in electrical engineering. He also worked for AT&T for 28 years. After he retired from AT&T he enjoyed the winters in Florida where he volunteered at AARP and prepared tax returns. He was also the treasurer for the Mariners Club.
On February 28, 1964, Billy married Hellon McWhorter in Hillsboro, Illinois. Hellon passed away May 18, 1999. Billy later married Laura Marie Farber at the York Community Church in Thomson. He enjoyed fishing, boating, cribbage, playing cards, shooting pool and playing Dominoes. Billy treasured his time that he spent with his family and his bud, Bandit.
Billy is survived by his wife, Laura of Thomson; three children, Laura Koziol of Thomson, Billy O’Barr Jr. of Thomson, Renee O’Barr of Bettendorf, Iowa; five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ryan) Marquis, Devin O’Barr, Austin O’Barr, Dakota Hannah, Adam McLemore, Tyler O’Barr; two great-grand daughters. Billy is preceded in death by his first wife, Hellon and two daughters, Mae and Sandy.