Walter Lee Barr

Walter Lee Bar Jr., 57, of Manhattan K.S., passed away peacefully at KU Medical center on, Monday, April 4, 2022, surrounded by his Wife, children and loved ones. Walter was born July 20, 1964 in Fort Wiley, Kansas to the late Walter Barr Sr. and Pauline Barr. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Wilbert David Goodridge, James Charles Goodridge, Lynn Paul Goodridge, one sister Cheryl Crawford, and both maternal and paternal grandparents: Milton & Leilla Barr and Mose and Ethel Richardson.

Walter Lee (Walt) attended Manhattan High School and was in the graduating class of 1982. Walt was highly active in sports and found his love for wrestling and competition as he traveled competing in tournaments and state competitions, winning State twice. After graduating High School, Walt continued his education at K-State University for a year.

Walt worked for K-State custodial Dept. for 1 year, then transferred to the Distribution Center at Umberger Hall where he worked for another 18 years until he retired. He later worked at Varney’s Bookstore in Aggieville as a Full Time salesman for a few years. During this time he began competing in Natural Bodybuilding shows through the NGA at the age of 37 and turned Pro in bodybuilding when he was 41. In 2007, he broke away from Varney’s and began Personal training Full Time at Pro Fitness gym in Aggieville. This is where he discovered his passion and love for helping people from all ages and backgrounds to reach their goals. In 2014 he again branched out, this time forming a partnership and business with his wife, which they named Barr Fitness. In 2015, at the age of 50, he and his wife Erin competed in Archorage, Alaska through Abff Federation, both winning 1st, he in Pro mens Bodybuilding and she gaining her Pro cards in figure and bikini.  They won the title of Mr. and Mrs. Alaska. Walt remained a Professional bodybuilder for 16 years.

Walter was the kids wrestling coach for a group of boys in Rossville for 7 years and he also formed a team of wrestlers named team studs while working at Pro fitness. Walt used his skills and experience to train all kinds of athletes as well as many people from all walks of life, ages, and abilities. In many instances if they could not come to the gym he went to them. Walt ran an exercise program with his wife at the Flint Hills job corp to help youth see the positives of exercise and it was a ministry to many at risk youth. He also coached and formed another elite group of athletes out of Barr Fitness, called the Barr Fitness Allstars and they still continue to thrive. Walt was a members of New Church of the Living God and grew his Christin faith, was baptized there and attended services regularly.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Erin Barr and their children, Sky, Justice, and Tru of Manhattan, K.S. Also, Mahogheny and Payton of Manhattan, K.S., Detrail Clayton of Memphis, T.N. and Walter Lee “Trey” Barr III of Kansas City, K.S. Eight grandchildren: Yuriah Jackson, Jessie Jackson, De’kel Clayton, Detrail Clayton Jr., Fallen Clayton, Treyvion Lebron Barr, Tristen Lynn Marie Barr, Kwyn Lea Barr. Also, one brother, Julious Goodridge of Manhattan, K.S., one sister, Yashida Barr of Austell, G.A., and stepfather  James Shoen of Manhattan, K.S. Two Aunts Della Mae (Ron) Geary of El Paseo, T.X. and Odie B. Page of Domino, T.X.; two sisters-in-law: Ann Goodridge of Neptune NJ, and Linda Vinson of Junction City, K.S. Also a host of of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends across the state who all love, cherish and adore him.

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