Chester Barre

Chester Ralph Barre passed away on August 22, 2021, in Rockport, Texas.  He was born in Yoakum, Texas, on August 7, 1926, to Herman and Nellie Barre.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and educator and loved gardening, fishing and camping.  He was an active member of the Lions Club for over 65 years, holding every office and working on the many service projects for the community.  Chester organized and hosted many family reunions and loved camping on the Frio River with family.  He supported all five children in scouting.  He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Rockport, serving on and chairing committees; teaching Sunday school; cooking for church events and singing in the choir.  Chester was a trained Stephen Minister and ministered to five care receivers during his lifetime.  He was also a member of Aransas County Retired Teachers and worked at the Castaways Thrift Shop.

He graduated from Yoakum High School in 1943.  Chester served in the U. S. Army Infantry during World War II; came home and attended and graduated from Baldwin Business College in Yoakum, Texas.  He worked for the Highway Department and then started college in San Marcos, with that being interrupted by another stint in the Army during the Korean War.  Chester then completed a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Administration Degree from Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos and then attended The University of Texas for six hours of credit in administration.

Chester married his longtime friend and sweetheart Kathryn Virginia Poth on January 26, 1952.  In 1953, he began his teaching career in Rockport, moving from high school business teacher to junior high school principal; then to high school principal for 21 years and one year as Director of Secondary Education.  He enjoyed the privilege of teaching in the Aransas County Schools for the entirety of his professional teaching career, receiving a plaque displayed in the auditorium.  He always enjoyed meeting former students and friends in Rockport during his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Kathryn Barre of 63 years; brothers Bernhard H. Barre; Lawrence E. Barre, sisters Florine J. Long and Nellie Mae Hermes.

He is survived by his five children: Nelson K. (Kim) Barre, Sr. of Austin; Alan D. (Paula) Barre of Rockport; Bruce G. (Jill) Barre of Austin; Clyde R. (VJ) Barre of Austin; and Karen Kay (Brad) Gallaway of Cypress.   He is also survived by grandchildren Nelson (Danielle) Barre, Jr.; Erin (Todd) Richert; Kyra (Danny) Masters; Daniel (Suzie) Cooper; Brian Barre; Brittany Barre; Dustin Barre; Summer (Brandon) York; Brent Barre; Derek (Shanna) Barre; Christopher (Tifani) Buccellato; Connor Gallaway; Illyssa Gallaway; great-grandchildren Rilyn, Nicholas, Evelyn, Brooklynn, Evie, Milo, Leia and Emily.

There will be visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 27, at the Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, Texas.  The church service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, at First United Methodist Church, 801 East Main, Rockport, Texas.  The family would appreciate masks being worn by those attending.  The internment will be immediately following the service at the Fulton Cemetery.  A reception will follow afterward at the church.

Pall bearers will be grandsons Nelson Barre, Jr., Daniel Cooper, Brian Barre, Dustin Barre, Brent Barre, Derek Barre, Christopher Buccellato, Connor Gallaway; honorary pall bearers will be Lion Club members.

Those wishing to make a memorial gift may do so to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1045, Rockport, Texas 78381 or The Educational Foundation; P.O. Box 195; Rockport, Texas 78382, or a charity of their choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.charliemarshallfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements entrusted to:

Charlie Marshall Funeral Home

814 E. Main

Rockport, Texas 78382

361-729-2451