Obituary of John T. Barr

John T. Barr, age 77 of Grand Blanc, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. John was born on November 6, 1939 in Beloit, Wisconsin to parents John and Edna (Rounds). As a young boy, John was involved in swimming and diving, trampoline, and began martial arts training at the age of 10. In his early adulthood, John began instructing martial arts and also worked as an electrical engineer. John was also proud to have worked as a New York State tax investigator, to have written three books: one on finance, one on martial arts, and one on the book of Genesis. But John was most proud of owning his own martial arts schools and all of the thousands of students that he taught and mentored throughout his 57 years of instructing. Though he was not one to boast, he was internally proud of holding the title of a 14th degree black belt. He most recently owned Master's Martial Arts & Fitness in Burton, Michigan. John was a faithful member of Heritage Baptist Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan and an avid student of the Bible. John is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Karen; daughter, Kellie Bowman; daughter-in-law, Teodosia (Roy) Barrera; granddaughters, Diane (Carlos) Ibarra, Alexandria Barr and Mickalie Barr; grandsons: John (Janette) Barr IV, Christian Barr and Connor Bowman; sister, Harriet Olson; several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons: John Barr III and Christopher Barr. A funeral service will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL with Pastor Les Martin of Lakeview Church officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those considering may make a memorial contribution to the English Language Institute of China (www.elic.org).