This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Barr, Renfro, Martin Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4871/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Richard Kevin Barr, 58, died Oct. 15, 2010, after a three and a half-year battle with non-smoker lung cancer. A celebration of life service for Mr. Barr was held October 18, 2010. He was born to Ralph and Nina Barr on Sept. 19, 1952, in Deming, N.M. He attended grade school in Artesia, N.M. and graduated from Silver High School in Silver City, N.M. in 1970. On May 12, 1973 he married his only love, Beverly Renfro, also of Silver City. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 1974 and University of New Orleans in 1976 with Bachelor's of Science and Master's of Earth Science degrees. He spent 89 days in Zacatecas, Mexico mapping an unmapped territory for his master's thesis. His career with Exxon included offices in Corpus Christi, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Kingsville, TX, and Midland, TX. In 1988 he pursued his passion of geology as an independent where he conducted his business with honor, integrity and honesty. At that time he began a business partnership on a handshake with Scott E. Wilson, which has spanned Eddy and Lea Counties, NM. Richard's professional associations include being a member of American Association of Petroleum Geologists, West Texas Geological Association and Wyoming Geological Association. Richard was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and geology. His love of nature was evident to all who knew him. He mined turquoise that is included today in an extensive mineral collection. He has hunted birds, mountain goats, and everything in between. His greatest love was always his wife and children. Together they experienced many wonderful years as well as embraced challenges. With his children he participated in both Indian Princess and Indian Guides, filmed dance recitals and concerts, coached soccer and baseball, chaperoned many high school band trips for football and marching contests, and has seen them develop into thriving, prospering young adults. Richard's battle with cancer began in April 2007 and was faced with bravery and tenacity. He continued to have the most amazing determination to live, and always thought he would beat his illness. He never gave up, never stopped trying to get better each day, and never stopped living. He always had a huge smile, and loved and lived life to the fullest. Throughout the journey he told everyone, even strangers, that he was living a miracle from God. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Ralph and Nina Barr.The family wishes to thank friends and family, both near and far, for their tremendous love and support. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Beverly Barr of Boerne, TX; a daughter, Kristen Barr of San Francisco, CA.; a son, Brandon Barr of Atlanta, GA.; a sister, Sandy and her husband, Buell Martin, of Canyon, TX; two nephews, Terry and Tracy Martin of Canyon, TX; and a niece, Jami Conrad of Claude, TX. Memorials can be made in his memory to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center benefiting his physician Dr. Anne Tsao of the Thoracic Department's research or the Livestrong Foundation. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on October 26, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.