Donald Barber

Foremost in the life of Don Barber was his strong faith and the love he had for the family entrusted to his care. Through the years he was a diligent and hard worker. He gave those he loved the best he was able, and was thankful for the many blessings that came his way. Although a quiet fellow who never sought the limelight, Don shared the kindness of his heart gladly with others and was well liked by many. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered.

Nestled on the shores of Sunset Lake in the village of Vicksburg, Michigan, Don's story began in the year 1931 as difficult days of the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Yet even as unemployment skyrocketed, many remained hopeful and looked toward the future. People across the nation were in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star - Spangled Banner became the nation's anthem. For Maynard and Elener (McCaslin) Barber, the days were made brighter when they welcomed the birth of their son, Donald Nolan Barber into their arms on January 26, 1931.

Born at home under the supervision of his grandmother, young Donald was the second of three children. He joined his older brother, Maynard Jr., and eventually welcomed his younger sister, Marieta, who completed their family. Even through hard times, Donald enjoyed a childhood typical of the times. He attended Brown School on 31st Street in Vicksburg before his family moved to Portage where he completed his education at the Portage Agriculture High School. Throughout his middle and high school years, World War II was news of the day and was on the minds and hearts of everyone.

While in high school, Don played football until he unfortunately suffered a broken leg. Once healed, he went out for basketball, and once again he broke his leg which ended his involvement in contact sports for good. However, there was more on Donald's mind during his high school days after his sister introduced him to her new friend, Janice Harmon. From the beginning, the two hit it off and soon began dating.

Shortly after high school, Don was drafted to serve during the Korean War. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for nearly three years, and prior to his honorable discharge in 1953, he earned the rank of corporal. It was during this time on November 24, 1951 when Don and Janice became husband and wife at Ft. Leonardwood. In time the young couple settled in Portage where they began a family of their own.

Don's daughters, Lynn and Sara were the delight of his life. He worked hard to provide a good lifestyle for Janice and the girls, and spent his career dedicated to his job working for the Kalamazoo County Road Commission. He helped with road construction, did some truck driving, and ran a snow plow among his many other duties there. Always the hard worker, he spent 38 years working for the road commission before retiring in 1993.

Devoted to his faith, Don was a longtime, active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Three Rivers where he thoroughly enjoyed being the "full-time" usher there each Sunday. When Don wasn't working, he spent his free time as an avid golfer and bowler. For countless years he served on golf leagues at Indian Run Golf Course. He also spent many years on bowling leagues, and over the last few years, at Continental Lanes. Many will remember Don as a “walkaholic”. He loved walking, and did so at every opportunity, clocking several miles every day. If the weather was too bad to walk outside, he would remain indoors, walking on his treadmill. Don always wanted to be in the know about what was going on in the Portage community. He had four police scanners to keep up on the news. He listened to the county plow guys, the fire department and police channels. He even slept with an ear bud so he wouldn’t miss out on anything important.

On December 23rd of last year, Don suffered a major, debilitating heart attack. It took all of his strength, which left him quite weak. Never able to recover, Don went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Don Barber was a man with a quiet nature who above all treasured and deeply loved his family. He radiated goodness and kindness to all he encountered, and was a friend to many. Don never knew a stranger, and never had an enemy. It was in Don's nature to lead a pretty laid back lifestyle, and he had the patience of Job. Like an angel on earth to those who knew and loved him best, Don will be missed with fond remembrance.

Donald N. Barber, age 84 of Portage passed away February 3, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Visit with Don’s family on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697) and on Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; 1200 Arnold St. in Three Rivers where his funeral will be held immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice in 2012; his daughter, Sara Dunn in 2013; and by his brother, Maynard Barber Jr. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Robin Albrecht; his granddaughter and her husband, Christina and Ryan Dunn; his sister and brother-in-law, Marieta and Gary Winkelman as well as his nieces, Lori, Bonnie, Judy, Beth and Cathy. His nephews, Jeff, Ted, Chris and Craig. Please visit Don’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory and sign his online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Comfort Dog Fund.