Bernard J. Parr

Bernard J. Parr, 100, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June
26, 2022. Bernie was born in Tipton County on June 22, 1922 to his
parents, James Parr & Rosa T. (Koors) Parr. Bernie married Loretta “Ret”
Weber on July 4, 1946, and she preceded him in death in April of 1977.
Bernie married his current wife, Pauline Birckbichler on July 3, 1994, and
she survives, and actually recently celebrated her 100th  birthday in January.
Bernie graduated from Wendell Willkie High School in Elwood, IN in the
Class of 1941. Over the years Bernie, held positions as regional sales
manager with Allis Chalmers and New Idea farm equipment companies in
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Upon retirement he farmed specializing in
Pioneer seed production and raising Duroc breeding stock which he sold in
the tri-state area. Bernie also worked at Delco Remi, and he drove a
school bus for Tipton County schools. Bernie was also a member of the
Knights of Columbus.

Bernie was a no-nonsense type of man. The oldest of 9 children, and he
was always in charge. He believed in always giving his best effort. He was
an avid and very competitive card player with little tolerance for the
unmotivated. A typical Hoosier, he wanted to run with the best and had a
sharp mind until his final day on this earth. “Plan your work, and work your
plan!” and “Do it right the first time” were the commitments of his life, his job
and his family. Bernie was a unique man, who had impeccable ethics. He
believed in doing his work by the job, not by the clock. Throughout his life,
he was truly a great example to those around him. He was convinced that
the Notre Dame Irish were both good and lucky. Bernie will be greatly
missed by those you had the privilege of knowing him!
Those left to carry on Bernie’s legacy of love are his wife, Pauline Parr;
siblings, Marietta (Walter) Lacyk, Martha (John) Redden, Elizabeth (Lee)
Vance, Maurice (Pat Hellmann) Parr, Dorothy (Ron) Wallace; as well as 25
nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, James & Rosa Parr;

son, Gregory Parr; first wife, Loretta (Weber) Parr; and
brothers, Eugene Parr, Donald Parr, and James Parr.
A visitation for family & friends will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from
9:00am to 9:45am at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N
Main St. in Tipton. A funeral mass will take place at St. John’s Catholic
Church, located at 340 Mill St. in Tipton, immediately following visitation,

and will start promptly at 10:00am. Burial will be held directly after the
service in St. John’s Cemetery in Tipton.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Parr family in their
time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a
special memory of Bernie with his family on his tribute wall.  

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