Vondel L. Smith & Son South Lakes

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Joel Wade Barr, 71, of Norman, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 after battling pancreatic cancer. Joe was born in Blackwell, OK on June 17, 1944 to the late John and Lois (Young) Barr. He grew up in Ponca City where he graduated from High School. He enrolled in OU Law School in 1969 and worked as a jailer for the Cleveland County Courthouse while attending school. After graduating in 1972, Joe settled in Norman and entered private practice. He practiced criminal law until just a few weeks before his passing.

Joe will be remembered for his generosity and story-telling. He was passionate about the law and defended his clients' innocence, while also empathizing with their struggles. More than anything he loved being with family and friends. To honor him he asked that you buy a friend a drink, enjoy a meal with your family, or do anything that you feel would have put a smile on his face.

He leaves four children, Shelley Crisp (Brent) of Norman, Kristin Barr of Norman, Kelsey Newcomer (John) of Louisville, KY, and Jonathan Barr of Norman; one granddaughter, Eleanor Newcomer of Louisville; and one sister, Julie Filleman (Steve) of Austin, TX.

Celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm Friday, January 15 in the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Cleveland County Courthouse (201 S. Jones Avenue, Norman, OK 73069) with a reception to follow at the Service Station (502 S. Webster Avenue, Norman, OK 73069). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.