He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

Barr then worked as a rent control examiner for the United States Government in Kankakee, Illinois.

He also started ACF Properties in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with D. J. Antonelli, Jr. involving real estate and management.

During the 1970 Joliet mayoral election, he was seriously injured in a car bombing and lost his right leg.

He hosted a twice-weekly radio program on 1510 WJRC from November 11, 1986, until his death in February 1987.