David "Papa" Barré is in Heaven, eating his mama, "Dee Dee's" chicken & dumplings again with his older brothers, Dick, Hal, and Gene. His father, "Daddy Joe," is baiting the hooks for some bass fishing afterward.

David passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 25 at his home in Cordova, TN, with his wife, Anne, at his side. This was an absolutely perfect ending to a wonderful 78-year life filled with family, friends, and fellowship, as there was no place he was happier than being in Anne's arms.

He never met a stranger and was known as being the funniest guy in every room. He was famous for his joke about the "$39.95 suit special." Just ask anyone who knew him well, and they will surely re-tell it for you. If he had spare time, he wanted to spend it with his kids and grandkids or at the golf course with friends. After growing up working in his family's full-service auto station, few things made him smile like a freshly washed and waxed car—especially his favorite, the '63 Dodge Polara that his Daddy gave him for graduation.

David met Anne Koehler when they were in high school in 1962, instantly became forever sweethearts, and were married in August 1966. They had been inseparable ever since. Every night David told her, "Thank the good Lord we've had another great day together!"

He graduated from Christian Brothers High School (1963) and Christian Brothers College (1967), with a degree in Marketing. Afterward, he began a career in Retail Management, which took him and his family to Chattanooga, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, and North Port, FL. He brought the family back to Memphis in 1984—where he remained for the rest of his days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Madeleine Barré. He is survived by his children, Andy, Kevin, and Missy, and his grandchildren, Sarah, Faith, Jack, Liza, and Ethan.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Cordova, TN on Tuesday, April 2 at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass, celebrated by close family friend, Fr. Michael Cummins, will follow at 10:30 AM. Please join us, laugh, and share your favorite memories. We won't be crying.

No flowers please, as the church will still be adorned with Easter decorations. Instead, please consider a memorial to your favorite school or charity, or better yet, take a friend out for some good BBQ and fondly share memories of our "Papa."