BARBER
Joe Martin Barber, 87, of Sparta, IL, passed away on January 4, 2022 at the VA Hospital in Tampa, FL, joining his wife of 55 years Shirley (nee Wilson) who preceded him to heaven in 2016. Joe was born in Sparta on December 23, 1934 in a small house on Walnut Street. He was the firstborn son of Helen (nee Cheatham) Barber and Martin Orella Barber. Siblings preceding him to heaven are Jane (nee Barber) Bligh, Tommy Barber (infant), Donna Barber (infant).
Joe is survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren: Matthew and daughter Ella Rose, Michael and wife Gretchen, parents of Samuel, Joseph, and Caroline. Joe is also survived by a sister Anna Lea Barber of Alton, IL.
After graduation from Sparta Township High School in 1952, Joe and four other classmates traveled to St. Louis and enlisted in the US Navy. Joe served during the Korean War on the USS Cape Esperance, being honorably discharged in December of 1955 after 42 months of service. Joe then earned a degree from Rankin Technical College in St. Louis and worked in the Stereotype Department at Spartan Printing Company for 30 years, being department manager for 21 years as well as managing other departments before his retirement in 1989.
In his spare time, Joe enjoyed and achieved success with the sport of golf, being club champion many times at the Sparta Country Club, setting the course record unbeaten for many years at six under par four times (29 in nine holes), and having made six holes-in-one during his golf career. At the age of 67, he achieved his final and sixth hole-in-one, for which he did not receive a trophy as it was unwitnessed.
On July 28, 1961, Joe married Shirley (nee Wilson), of Sparta, at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. They raised two sons in Sparta, Matthew (Sun City Center, FL) and Michael (Austin, TX). Joe and Shirley retired to their Florida home in the mid-2000s.
Joe was a member of VFW #2698, Hope Lodge 162, and Trinity United Presbyterian Church, all in Sparta.
A funeral service for Joe will take place at Heil-Schuessler and Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on January 15, 2022 at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.
Flowers can be supplied through Teri Jean’s Florist in Sparta, IL. In lieu of flowers or plants, please donate to the Sparta VFW #2698 in memorial for Joe M. Barber, Korean War Veteran.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Our sincere condolences go out to Matt and your family. We hope you find comfort in knowing you made your dad comfortable and stayed by his side with complete compassion and dedication all the way to heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Especially your broken heart. Sending love, Mike and Susie
ReplyMy deepest sympathy for you Matt and the rest of the family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love, hugs and any support I can give you..Much love💜
ReplyMatthew and Michel, sending my sincere sympathy to your families. May God bless you with his peace and comfort
ReplySending our thoughts and prayers to Matt and Michael. May you both forever hold fond memories in your heart to bring you comfort when you need them most.
ReplyOur condolences Matt as you and your family navigate through this loss, know Victor and I are here for you always. All of your love and prayers for your entire family. Love you Bestie, Victor & Jenny Herbert
ReplyThank you everyone! I just saw this today and watched the video. Cried again…… but we’ve shed lots of tears over these past four months or so. We tried the best we could as long as we could to keep him home and as safe as possible. Lots of MD appts. as well……. goodness!
ReplyMatthew/Michael and Family,
Helen and I offer our deepest sympathy. May you be comforted that your Dad is with God, your Mom and family in Heaven with all of God’s Love and Glory. Blessed Repose, Eternal Memory
ReplyThank you Mark and Helen, we did get the nice flowers!
We had a service on Saturday the 15th and the funeral parlor was filled up in all four rooms. Even with this new COVID surge, it was filled up! It was also snowing and mushy outside. I took it as a sign of love for my Dad and Mother Shirley that so many folks showed up.
I followed Helen’s idea and I took some of the flower pedals, I’m going to see if I can get some bracelets or things like that made.
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Thank you Mark and Helen, we did get the nice flowers!
We had a service on Saturday the 15th and the funeral parlor was filled up in all four rooms. Even with this new COVID surge, it was filled up! It was also snowing and mushy outside. I took it as a sign of love for my Dad and Mother Shirley that so many folks showed up.
I followed Helen’s idea and I took some of the flower pedals, I’m going to see if I can get some bracelets or things like that made.
Matthew/Michael and Family,
Helen and I offer our deepest sympathy. May you be comforted that your Dad is with God, your Mom and family in Heaven with all of God’s Love and Glory. Blessed Repose, Eternal Memory
Thank you everyone! I just saw this today and watched the video. Cried again…… but we’ve shed lots of tears over these past four months or so. We tried the best we could as long as we could to keep him home and as safe as possible. Lots of MD appts. as well……. goodness!
Our condolences Matt as you and your family navigate through this loss, know Victor and I are here for you always. All of your love and prayers for your entire family. Love you Bestie, Victor & Jenny Herbert
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Matt and Michael. May you both forever hold fond memories in your heart to bring you comfort when you need them most.
Matthew and Michel, sending my sincere sympathy to your families. May God bless you with his peace and comfort
My deepest sympathy for you Matt and the rest of the family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love, hugs and any support I can give you..Much love💜
Our sincere condolences go out to Matt and your family. We hope you find comfort in knowing you made your dad comfortable and stayed by his side with complete compassion and dedication all the way to heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Especially your broken heart. Sending love, Mike and Susie