Clifford Lee "Cliff" Barr

Clifford L. Barr, 69, Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Sept. 25, 2017. Cliff, an adventurer, traveler, prankster and consummate family man, left this world way too soon. He had a great way of making those around him laugh - even when they shouldn’t. In honor of Cliff’s irreverent humor, his wife and children made as many inappropriate jokes while planning his farewell services as possible. The memory of his hearty laugh and big smile have sustained his family since his passing, and that memory will endure. Cliff welcomed anyone into his home and took the time to serve them a drink while learning their story. He was quick with a laugh and even quicker with a smile. His kids enjoyed hearing about his younger days of pranks while attending St. Peter’s and working at Safeway. Cliff was generous to a fault. He would much rather give things away than sell them - he would love that his wheelchair and ramps were being donated to another person who suffered from paralysis. Even over the past five years of limited mobility, he knew how lucky he was to have love, support and the means to live with dignity. He would want that for anyone after a spinal cord injury. Above all, Cliff loved his family. His favorite weekends were spent hanging out at the lake while kids ate all his food, dirtied his house and spent all of his money. He didn’t think twice about driving across the country to move one of his kids yet again, rescue one or just take them out to dinner. He was a proud husband and father. He knew he was lucky to have a wife who would never give up on him and do anything for his children. He spent his life devoted to his family. Cliff never met a stranger, which is probably why he made a great State Farm agent for 41 years. He was extremely interested in the well-being of his clients and his devoted co-workers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 30 at St. John LaLande Catholic Church, 805 N.W. R D Mize Rd, Blue Springs. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Private committal services will follow at Blue Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to NextStep Kansas City, 6600 College Blvd., Suite 315, Overland Park, KS 66211. NextStep is a non-profit intense activity-based recovery center for those with paralysis. Cliff benefited greatly from their services. Cliff was born September 3, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his mother, Willa Dean Barr. In addition to his father, William Hirth Barr of Kansas City, MO, Cliff is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Barr, of the home; son Ryan P. Barr, wife Valerie and their children, Kalyn and Brynden, of St. Louis, MO; daughters Dr. Courtney L. Barnes, MD, husband Shawn and children, Rory and Collynn, of Columbia, MO; Dr. Brianna M. Ganson, DDS, husband Troy and their children, Knox and Brinkley of Lee’s Summit, MO; brother Dr. Kent Barr, MD, wife Amy of Parkville, MO; sister Michele Robison, husband David, Austin, TX; beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, 12 nieces and nephews and many other family members and special friends.