Bartlett honors memory of the late Judge Marr

Bartlett Municipal Judge Freeman Marr, who died Dec. 17 at age 91, left behind a legacy of decades of service in the city’s court system.

He was one of Bartlett’s two city judges and had been on the bench since 1969. He had only begun to slow down his work because of health issues this fall.

Bartlett mayor Keith McDonald was one of many who had tremendous respect for him.

“Judge Marr was a southern gentleman and a Bartlett Institution,” the mayor said. “He was known as tough but fair. He served Bartlett with honor and distinction. Judge Marr helped more people than anyone can imagine. Judge Freeman Marr will be missed!”

In addition to his judicial career, Marr will be remembered as an animal lover who donated his courtroom fees for performing ceremonies to the Bartlett Animal Shelter.

He was also a youthful track star and later a head men’s track coach at then-Southwestern (now Rhodes).

Freeman lived in Memphis and Bartlett, graduated from Christian Brothers High School, and was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War.

He earned degrees from both Southwestern and Southern Law School.

Marr practiced law for more than 60 years and served as a city judge for more than 40 years.

His visitation was held on Dec. 20 at Memorial Park. The family has asked that memorials be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church or Bartlett Animal Shelter.

McDonald ordered the city flag be flown at half-staff until the memorial service.

Marr is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nelda, and three children, Virginia Yeatman, Andy Marr, John Marr and their families.