James Merton "Mert" Barber

James Merton "Mert" Barber James Merton "Mert" Barber, 93, had suffered ill health for a few years but died unexpectedly on November 5, 2009. He was born June 27, 1916, in North Loup, Nebraska, to Glenn Doughas and Cora Rogers Barber. Mert was employed by the Kellogg Company for 40 years, retiring in 1976. As the president and life member of the Kellogg Sportsman's Club, he helped initiate bottle deposit legislation and worked diligently with a committee in the 1950's to rid the Battle Creek rivers of pollution. He also served as president of the 25-year Club and the Kellogg Retiree's Association. Mert was the recipient of many honors for his conservation projects and was proud of his life membership in the NRA and the Marshall Moose Lodge 676. Mert was a man of many talents. As a child he played in the town band, directed by his grandfather, and enjoyed a life-long participation in and appreciation of music. He was an avid golfer, bowler, hunter, trap shooter, woodworker, photographer, rose grower, sports fan, and some-time poet. Above all, he doted on his family, of which there are many. Survivors include his wife, Donna House Bennett Barber, daughter Betty Barber McConnell, sons Paul (Mary) Barber and Rick (Ila) Barber, ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brother Wayne (Joan) Barber, sisters Iris Priestly, Jo Antoniuk and Jeanne Dress. He is also survived by two step-sons, Curtis Bennett and Cory (Barbara) Bennett, brother-in-law Dick (Vivian) House, sister-in-law Molly Jo Bonner, five step-grandchildren, three great step-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention. Mert was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Sayre, and his brothers, Ellis, Paul, Kenneth, and Claude. Mert served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. He will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. At the request of the family, friends may call Sunday, November 15, 2009 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mert's home church, Seventh Day Baptist Church, P.O. Box 146, North Loup, Nebraska, 68859, or the charity of your choice. www.farleyestesdowdle.com.