Nadine Jeannette Barr, 85

Funeral services for Nadine Jeannette Barr, 85, of Hartville, were held Feb. 5, 2026, at Little Creek Baptist Church in Hartville with Pastor Matthew DeCocq and Rev. Russell McDaris officiating. Burial was at Little Creek Cemetery in Hartville.

She died Jan. 30 at her home in Hartville. Nadine was born to Verden and Ina Ray (Brown) Johnson on June 23, 1940.

Nadine married Alva Barr on June 1, 1958, after graduating from high school in Mansfield. She and Alva lived in Springfield for 19 years, where she had the opportunity to attend Southwest Missouri State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school at Alice Pittman in Springfield for nine years. During that time, she earned a master’s degree with an emphasis in special education and acquired her reading certification. Nadine took a few years off from teaching after moving to the farm, during which time she helped Alva care for the farm until the pull of school led her to accept a position at Hartville/Grovespring Schools a few years later. She acquired a special education certification during this period. All three permanent certifications were lifetime certificates. Nadine loved school, both as a student and a teacher. She retired at age 70 after teaching for 33 years.

Nadine accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 13. She attended church throughout her life and played the piano for both Little Creek Church and First Baptist Church in Hartville. She loved her family, school, reading and music.

She was heartbroken at the loss of her son, David, and husband, Alva. She was always happy to see her former students. Her loved ones celebrate her life and will always cherish the many memories spent together.

Nadine is survived by daughter-in-law, Linda Barr; sister-in-law, Freda Barr; special nieces: Elaine Murr and Julie Kelly; nephews; cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alva, of 58 years; her only son, David Barr; her brothers: Stanley Johnson and Lawrence Johnson; her sisters, Mabel Johnson Gregory, Mary June Johnson Nelson and Blanche Johnson Allcorn; her brothers-in-law, L.D. Garland and Charles Nelson; and her sister-in-law, Joella Garland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Creek Cemetery in care of the funeral home.