Craig G. Barr

Craig G. Barr, age 71, of Mainesburg, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 27, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born October 5, 1952, in Troy, PA, Craig was a man of many names, Griz, Clem, CB, Mountain Man, but the most important was Pops. Craig was a loving man, raised by his grandparents, Maxwell and Myrtle (Mckay) Strange, from whom he learned his many talents including, mechanical, carpentry, plumbing, electrician, gardening, sewing, cooking and canning. From a young age, Craig was a true outdoorsman with tales of going to the woods to harvest timber with grandpa Strange and his uncle Phil Strange, before he was even school age. His outdoorsmanship carried over into his teens and entire adult life, enjoying all things outdoors, and a lover of nature. An avid fisherman, trapper, archer and his true love of hunting. Craig had the privilege of saying he managed to harvest at least one deer a year from the time he was 12 years old until he was 69. His 57-year streak was broken in 2021 when his cancer prevented him from hunting. He was told by many that he was born a century too late and his love for the outdoors would have served him better in the previous century.

Criag is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon (Barrett) Barr, of Mainesburg; daughter, Brenda S. (Barr) Cole, of Mansfield, and son, Brett Barr (Tanja), of Canton, PA. He was affectionately known as “Pops” to 9 grandchildren, Graigery Harer (Vanessa), Shayla Bellows, Galyn (Cole) Hess (Donald), Shanay (Sheppard) Moyer (Chris), Tucker Cole, Samuel Cole, Makenna Barr, Jordyn Barr and Isacc Cole; 11 great grandchildren, Xavier, Bo, Aiyanna, Nolan, Letty, Emmett, Layla, Elaina, Silas, Vada and Ada; his mother, Mary Ellen (Strange) Barr, of Wellsboro; and many dear friends. Craig was predeceased by his grandparents and his father.

Craig wanted to acknowledge special friends and family that supported him through his 3-½ year battle with cancer. Special cousin, Gene Strange (Alaska/Arizona), for the many phone calls and conversations of guns and hunting. Jeff & Julie Barr for being there when needed. John (Jack) Deats, Todd Stafford and Rob Hill for the calls, texts, pics, laughs and all the other things you did to make some unbearable days – bearable. Chad (Nancy) Cross for allowing him to be able to continue to enjoy his love of hunting his last couple of years. Sue Thomas (Dennis) for the many phone calls. Very special friend and chemo buddy, Brenda Hopkins (Ralph), words can never say how much we appreciated you. Our granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Galyn & Donnie Hess, for the many things you did for him over the last year including “babysitting”.

In keeping with Craig’s wishes, no immediate funeral services will be held. However, the family will be holding a benefit on December 16, 2023, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Mainesburg Community Center, 103 Williams Rd., to help with expenses that have been incurred over the last 3-½ years and will have Craig’s memorial service at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in supporting that effort to Brenda Cole, 2305 Route 549, Mansfield, PA 16933. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wilston-Currie Funeral Home, Manfield, www.wilstoncurriefh.com.