E. Wallace "Sonny" and Bette Barr

Edward Wallace “Sonny” Barr, Jr. was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1924 to Bess Moseley and Dr. Edward Wallace Barr Sr. He graduated Kentucky Military Academy before attending WKU, Maryville College, and Vanderbilt University. He served as a Fighter Pilot Trainer in the United States Air Force. After retirement, he moved back to Bowling Green. There he was co-owner of the Leichhardt Hillview Nursery, president of Dibrell-Kentucky Tobacco Company, and owner and operator of the Briarpatch Restaurant. He was also a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Barons, XV, and the Rotary Club. During his time in the military, he met his wife, Bette Carolyn Culler Barr. Sonny and Bette were married for 50 years before her passing. The couple had two children, Edward Wallace Barr III and Carolyn Barr Hammond.

To further his legacy on the Hill, Sonny established the E. Wallace “Sonny” and Bette Barr Student Aid Fund. The fund assists deserving WKU students majoring in hotel and restaurant management. Through this fund, Sonny and Bette’s legacies carry on in perpetuity.