Gerald
Gerald D. Barber
Gerald passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Oakview Terrace in Kalamazoo.
He was born March 30, 1920 in Climax, MI to Carl and Helen (Thompson) Barber. Gerald was a 1938 Plainwell High School graduate. He served his country in the US Army Air Force during World War II. For many years he owned and operated Barber Mobil Oil Co. and had worked for Otsego Public Schools as a bus driver. On September 5, 1947 in Kalamazoo he married Lucile Stoneburner who passed away in 2012.
Family was the most important thing to Gerald. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and hanging out with his favorite cousin, Lyle Hoskins. Together they had many enjoyable adventures. Later he and Lucile enjoyed taking their children on camping trips and for many years, along with many different family members would walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. After his retirement they liked going on camping trips with their church family, traveling around the US and for more than 25 years spending the winters in Florida.
Gerald was a member of the Otsego United Methodist Church, the Plainwell American Legion and was a life member of the Otsego VFW Post #3030.
Surviving are his children, Betty Bongers, Grace Blowers, Jane (Neal) Rockafellow, Carl (Sally) Barber and Geraldene Bloem; grandchildren, Suellyn (Tim) Oosting, Haralyn (Andrew) McHugh, Pamella Beeman, Amanda Blowers Matthews, Jennifer (Marc) LaForest, Sara (Rob) Keen, Elizabeth (Derek) Schut, Anne (Joe Nunez) Barber, Eric Barber, Kurt (Jessica) Barber, Nicole Bloem, Jared Bloem, Katheryn Irwin and Elizabeth Irwin; great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Jason (Rachel), Katie, Cynthia, Lance, Emily, Elizabeth, Ryan, Paige, Caleb, Liberty, Cameron, Piper, Cash, Ethan and Nyssa; great-great-grandchildren, Elle, Lucy and Logan; siblings, Mildred Bos, Doris Schuiteboer, Beatrice Gauthier and Beverly Gauthier; sister-in-law, Betty Barber along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; son, David Barber; great-granddaughter, Rachael Sue Thompson; sons-in-law, Ivan Blowers Jr and Harry Bongers; siblings, Lawrence Barber, Lillian Stull, Marge Gilligan and Lucille Woodhams; brothers-in-law, Roger Gilligan, Howard Stull, Joe Gauthier, George Gauthier, Don Woodhams, Chester Walker, Jay Bos, Mike Schuiteboer, Art Roberts, Jack Stoneburner, Kenny Stoneburner, John Stoneburner and Clinton Stoneburner Jr. and sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth (Ken) Graham and Mary (John) Knowlton.
Friends may visit with Gerald’s family from 5-7 P.M. on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
Military Honors by Otsego VFW Post #3030.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Gerald may be made to the
Otsego United Methodist Church
towards hearing impaired system.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gerald D. Barber
Condolence Messages
Tim & Laurie Andrus
January 7, 2016 at 6:14 pm
We are thinking of your family at this difficult time. Please know that we are praying for comfort for all of you.
Reply
Teri Laster
January 7, 2016 at 6:25 pm
My deepest sympathy to Geralds entire family. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. I have many great memories of my bestest buddies (Grace) dad. The fun & laughs we shared, especially the week in myrtle beach. What a great guy. RIP sweetie. I know your happy being with your favorite girl again.
Reply
Dene and Linda Hadden
January 7, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Dear Barber Family: We want to offer our deepest sympathy for the loss of this wonderful, kind, funny and loving Man! I had the pleasure of living down the street from him and every time he drove by, he had a big grin and a big hearty wave. Our families had some wonderful memories. Everyone will miss him immensely but Heaven has gained a Great One!
Reply
Donna Tharge
January 8, 2016 at 9:31 am
I remember Mr. Barber delivering our fuel oil for years. He was such a sweet man. You will be missed Mr. Barber. Have fun dancing on those streets of gold!!! Smiling with all your friends too!!
Love you Grace, Geraldine,Mandy and all your family.
Reply
Pam&Terry Morse
January 8, 2016 at 10:05 am
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Your memories will give you peace and I know you have so many good ones, he was a great man.
Reply
Sally and Brian Betzner
January 8, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Am sending prayers for your loss
Reply
Dave Delemme American Legion Post 84 Otsego
January 8, 2016 at 8:09 pm
The members of Legion Post 84 of Otsego, send their prayers to the entire Barber Family, and all their relatives. Gerald just transferred a few months ago into Otsego Post 84, from Post 250 of Plainwell after it folded up after 96 1/2 years of service. Gerald had 68 years of service with the American Legion. Post 84 had recently sent Mr. Barber a Legion Certificate & Letter of Appreciation for his service to our country in time of war, and service to the local community through the American Legion. We hear that he had it mounted on the wall by his bed before his passing. He was proud to hear that people still cared about his Generations sacrifice to this county. We ask the Lord to take extra care of this soldier, husband, father, and Legionnaire. May God hold you near my friend.
Dave Delemme / Allegan County Commander for the Dept. of the Michigan American Legion.
Reply
Patty Chapman
January 8, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Jane and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to all of you. Your Dad was a special man. My first remembrance of him was when he delivered gasoline to my Dad for his tractors. He always came into the house to collect for the bill and he and my Dad would go back and forth trying to one up each other. I would sit there listening to it all!!! I can still see where he would come in and sit on this high stool we had just inside the kitchen door. He would come in and say “Rector” and then it went on. He will be missed. Please know that I am praying for God’s wonderful peace and comfort for you all. Love and hugs.
Mark and Patty (Rector) Chapman
Reply
Brandon Bailey
January 8, 2016 at 9:38 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God comfort and being peace to you. Mr. Barber was my bus driver when I was in elementary. Mr. Barber always greeted my brother and myself with a smile and always made sure to call us by our nicknames. My brother, Jake and myself B.B. We loved him and always laughed when he was joking around. It takes a special kind of person to drive a bus load of kids to and from school. He did an amazing job day in and day out and we all loved him. I never have liked hearing about people from my childhood that are passing on to be with the lord but I know that they all will be OK. Mr. Barber will be ok too! As much as hearing the news settles heavy on the heart it also makes me smile to remember him as the greatest bus driver we had as kids! Again, my prayers are with the family.
Reply
Shelly Boerman
January 8, 2016 at 9:45 pm
Betty and Pam and family, I’m so sorry for you lose. It’s been a rough month but please know God is carrying y’all thru this difficult time. Hold tigh and keep the memories alive. Hugs
Shelly Boerman
Reply
Brenda Standish
January 9, 2016 at 10:58 am
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gerald’s family. He was a great guy. I really enjoyed working with him when he drove the school lunch van. I know he will be missed.
Reply
Tammy (Latterner) LaViolette
January 9, 2016 at 11:45 pm
I remember Mr. Barber as my elementary school bus driver when I went to Alamo and then Dix Street after Alamo closed. I often wondered what ever happened to him. He also delivered the milk to our schools. If ever we were not out to the bus on time because we over slept he would honk the horn and we would rush to get dressed and out the door. He would always wait even though the bus drivers were not supposed to. Fondest memories of him. May he rest in peace.
Reply
Tammy (Latterner) LaViolette
January 10, 2016 at 12:38 am
Mr. Barber was my elementary school bus driver when I went to Alamo and then Dix Street after Alamo closed down. If ever we were late for the bus he would honk his horn and we would rush to get dressed and out the door (usually when there were power outages). The bus drivers were not supposed to wait but good ole Mr. Barber would. I remember him telling us every year how he walked the Mackinaw Bridge. I would have loved to have walked it with him and the next time I get the chance to go over the bridge I’ll be thinking of him. Rest in peace Mr. Barber.
From the Latterner’s, Tammy, Glenn, and Phillip you were the best bus driver out there.
Reply
Don & Sherry Hurlbut
January 10, 2016 at 9:38 am
We were sorry to learn of Gerald’s passing. Thinking of him brought back many good memories. He was always so happy and friendly and he brought that out in the person he was talking to. We were blessed to have known Gerald for many, many years. His passing is our loss, but Heaven’s gain. Rest in peace, Gerald.
Reply
Donna Osborn Ingraham
January 10, 2016 at 11:23 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was always happy and fun. We are sure that he has been welcomed by so many souls of his many family members and dear friends who have gone before him.
Reply
Jeni Keeler Mirkes
January 10, 2016 at 1:24 pm
Amanda, Kay, and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Barber was one of my favorite bus drivers! We moved a lot and I had many through the years, but I always looked forward to seeing him before and after school and at church on Sundays. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family! May he rest in peace.
Reply
Mike & Laurie Vander Molen
January 11, 2016 at 8:39 am
As you mourn the loss of your father, find the peace in knowing that because of your faith in our Heavenly Father this is not a final goodbye, but a short absence until you are reunited with him again someday.
Blessings,
Mike and Laurie Vander Molen
Reply
Andrea & Alyssa Creech
January 11, 2016 at 10:19 am
Betty, Pam, Sue and family,
My condolences to you & your family.
I have fond memories of your dad/Grandpa.
He was a GREAT MAN with a huge heart & sense of humor.
Reply
Jim and Debbie Miller
January 11, 2016 at 10:39 am
Our Prayers to all of Gerald’s family and all others who loved him. He enhanced the lives of all those he encountered and he will be missed. Now he will serve God as he served his country, his family and his community. Rest in peace Gerald.
Reply
John & Diane Glessner
January 12, 2016 at 11:59 am
Dear Barber Family,
We were so blessed to have Gerald, Lucile and his sweet family as church friends and friends in the Lord. His service was very meaningful as was Lucile’s. Our prayers will continue with all of you as you mourn his passing. He was a great man!!! Our love to all, John & Diane
Reply
Colleen (Kelsey) Ziemer
January 12, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Jane and Family, So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He will be missed by many.
Reply
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He was born March 30, 1920 in Climax, MI to Carl and Helen (Thompson) Barber. Gerald was a 1938 Plainwell High School graduate. He served his country in the US Army Air Force during World War II. For many years he owned and operated Barber Mobil Oil Co. and had worked for Otsego Public Schools as a bus driver. On September 5, 1947 in Kalamazoo he married Lucile Stoneburner who passed away in 2012.
Family was the most important thing to Gerald. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and hanging out with his favorite cousin, Lyle Hoskins. Together they had many enjoyable adventures. Later he and Lucile enjoyed taking their children on camping trips and for many years, along with many different family members would walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. After his retirement they liked going on camping trips with their church family, traveling around the US and for more than 25 years spending the winters in Florida.
Gerald was a member of the Otsego United Methodist Church, the Plainwell American Legion and was a life member of the Otsego VFW Post #3030.
Surviving are his children, Betty Bongers, Grace Blowers, Jane (Neal) Rockafellow, Carl (Sally) Barber and Geraldene Bloem; grandchildren, Suellyn (Tim) Oosting, Haralyn (Andrew) McHugh, Pamella Beeman, Amanda Blowers Matthews, Jennifer (Marc) LaForest, Sara (Rob) Keen, Elizabeth (Derek) Schut, Anne (Joe Nunez) Barber, Eric Barber, Kurt (Jessica) Barber, Nicole Bloem, Jared Bloem, Katheryn Irwin and Elizabeth Irwin; great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Jason (Rachel), Katie, Cynthia, Lance, Emily, Elizabeth, Ryan, Paige, Caleb, Liberty, Cameron, Piper, Cash, Ethan and Nyssa; great-great-grandchildren, Elle, Lucy and Logan; siblings, Mildred Bos, Doris Schuiteboer, Beatrice Gauthier and Beverly Gauthier; sister-in-law, Betty Barber along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; son, David Barber; great-granddaughter, Rachael Sue Thompson; sons-in-law, Ivan Blowers Jr and Harry Bongers; siblings, Lawrence Barber, Lillian Stull, Marge Gilligan and Lucille Woodhams; brothers-in-law, Roger Gilligan, Howard Stull, Joe Gauthier, George Gauthier, Don Woodhams, Chester Walker, Jay Bos, Mike Schuiteboer, Art Roberts, Jack Stoneburner, Kenny Stoneburner, John Stoneburner and Clinton Stoneburner Jr. and sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth (Ken) Graham and Mary (John) Knowlton.
Friends may visit with Gerald’s family from 5-7 P.M. on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
Military Honors by Otsego VFW Post #3030.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Gerald may be made to the
Otsego United Methodist Church
towards hearing impaired system.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gerald D. Barber
Condolence Messages
Tim & Laurie Andrus
January 7, 2016 at 6:14 pm
We are thinking of your family at this difficult time. Please know that we are praying for comfort for all of you.
Reply
Teri Laster
January 7, 2016 at 6:25 pm
My deepest sympathy to Geralds entire family. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. I have many great memories of my bestest buddies (Grace) dad. The fun & laughs we shared, especially the week in myrtle beach. What a great guy. RIP sweetie. I know your happy being with your favorite girl again.
Reply
Dene and Linda Hadden
January 7, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Dear Barber Family: We want to offer our deepest sympathy for the loss of this wonderful, kind, funny and loving Man! I had the pleasure of living down the street from him and every time he drove by, he had a big grin and a big hearty wave. Our families had some wonderful memories. Everyone will miss him immensely but Heaven has gained a Great One!
Reply
Donna Tharge
January 8, 2016 at 9:31 am
I remember Mr. Barber delivering our fuel oil for years. He was such a sweet man. You will be missed Mr. Barber. Have fun dancing on those streets of gold!!! Smiling with all your friends too!!
Love you Grace, Geraldine,Mandy and all your family.
Reply
Pam&Terry Morse
January 8, 2016 at 10:05 am
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Your memories will give you peace and I know you have so many good ones, he was a great man.
Reply
Sally and Brian Betzner
January 8, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Am sending prayers for your loss
Reply
Dave Delemme American Legion Post 84 Otsego
January 8, 2016 at 8:09 pm
The members of Legion Post 84 of Otsego, send their prayers to the entire Barber Family, and all their relatives. Gerald just transferred a few months ago into Otsego Post 84, from Post 250 of Plainwell after it folded up after 96 1/2 years of service. Gerald had 68 years of service with the American Legion. Post 84 had recently sent Mr. Barber a Legion Certificate & Letter of Appreciation for his service to our country in time of war, and service to the local community through the American Legion. We hear that he had it mounted on the wall by his bed before his passing. He was proud to hear that people still cared about his Generations sacrifice to this county. We ask the Lord to take extra care of this soldier, husband, father, and Legionnaire. May God hold you near my friend.
Dave Delemme / Allegan County Commander for the Dept. of the Michigan American Legion.
Reply
Patty Chapman
January 8, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Jane and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to all of you. Your Dad was a special man. My first remembrance of him was when he delivered gasoline to my Dad for his tractors. He always came into the house to collect for the bill and he and my Dad would go back and forth trying to one up each other. I would sit there listening to it all!!! I can still see where he would come in and sit on this high stool we had just inside the kitchen door. He would come in and say “Rector” and then it went on. He will be missed. Please know that I am praying for God’s wonderful peace and comfort for you all. Love and hugs.
Mark and Patty (Rector) Chapman
Reply
Brandon Bailey
January 8, 2016 at 9:38 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God comfort and being peace to you. Mr. Barber was my bus driver when I was in elementary. Mr. Barber always greeted my brother and myself with a smile and always made sure to call us by our nicknames. My brother, Jake and myself B.B. We loved him and always laughed when he was joking around. It takes a special kind of person to drive a bus load of kids to and from school. He did an amazing job day in and day out and we all loved him. I never have liked hearing about people from my childhood that are passing on to be with the lord but I know that they all will be OK. Mr. Barber will be ok too! As much as hearing the news settles heavy on the heart it also makes me smile to remember him as the greatest bus driver we had as kids! Again, my prayers are with the family.
Reply
Shelly Boerman
January 8, 2016 at 9:45 pm
Betty and Pam and family, I’m so sorry for you lose. It’s been a rough month but please know God is carrying y’all thru this difficult time. Hold tigh and keep the memories alive. Hugs
Shelly Boerman
Reply
Brenda Standish
January 9, 2016 at 10:58 am
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gerald’s family. He was a great guy. I really enjoyed working with him when he drove the school lunch van. I know he will be missed.
Reply
Tammy (Latterner) LaViolette
January 9, 2016 at 11:45 pm
I remember Mr. Barber as my elementary school bus driver when I went to Alamo and then Dix Street after Alamo closed. I often wondered what ever happened to him. He also delivered the milk to our schools. If ever we were not out to the bus on time because we over slept he would honk the horn and we would rush to get dressed and out the door. He would always wait even though the bus drivers were not supposed to. Fondest memories of him. May he rest in peace.
Reply
Tammy (Latterner) LaViolette
January 10, 2016 at 12:38 am
Mr. Barber was my elementary school bus driver when I went to Alamo and then Dix Street after Alamo closed down. If ever we were late for the bus he would honk his horn and we would rush to get dressed and out the door (usually when there were power outages). The bus drivers were not supposed to wait but good ole Mr. Barber would. I remember him telling us every year how he walked the Mackinaw Bridge. I would have loved to have walked it with him and the next time I get the chance to go over the bridge I’ll be thinking of him. Rest in peace Mr. Barber.
From the Latterner’s, Tammy, Glenn, and Phillip you were the best bus driver out there.
Reply
Don & Sherry Hurlbut
January 10, 2016 at 9:38 am
We were sorry to learn of Gerald’s passing. Thinking of him brought back many good memories. He was always so happy and friendly and he brought that out in the person he was talking to. We were blessed to have known Gerald for many, many years. His passing is our loss, but Heaven’s gain. Rest in peace, Gerald.
Reply
Donna Osborn Ingraham
January 10, 2016 at 11:23 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was always happy and fun. We are sure that he has been welcomed by so many souls of his many family members and dear friends who have gone before him.
Reply
Jeni Keeler Mirkes
January 10, 2016 at 1:24 pm
Amanda, Kay, and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Barber was one of my favorite bus drivers! We moved a lot and I had many through the years, but I always looked forward to seeing him before and after school and at church on Sundays. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family! May he rest in peace.
Reply
Mike & Laurie Vander Molen
January 11, 2016 at 8:39 am
As you mourn the loss of your father, find the peace in knowing that because of your faith in our Heavenly Father this is not a final goodbye, but a short absence until you are reunited with him again someday.
Blessings,
Mike and Laurie Vander Molen
Reply
Andrea & Alyssa Creech
January 11, 2016 at 10:19 am
Betty, Pam, Sue and family,
My condolences to you & your family.
I have fond memories of your dad/Grandpa.
He was a GREAT MAN with a huge heart & sense of humor.
Reply
Jim and Debbie Miller
January 11, 2016 at 10:39 am
Our Prayers to all of Gerald’s family and all others who loved him. He enhanced the lives of all those he encountered and he will be missed. Now he will serve God as he served his country, his family and his community. Rest in peace Gerald.
Reply
John & Diane Glessner
January 12, 2016 at 11:59 am
Dear Barber Family,
We were so blessed to have Gerald, Lucile and his sweet family as church friends and friends in the Lord. His service was very meaningful as was Lucile’s. Our prayers will continue with all of you as you mourn his passing. He was a great man!!! Our love to all, John & Diane
Reply
Colleen (Kelsey) Ziemer
January 12, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Jane and Family, So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He will be missed by many.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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Comment
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Name
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Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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