Robert B. Barber

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Bradley University

Robert Barber Obituary

SPRINGFIELD - Robert Baylis Barber, 68, of Springfield, died at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

Mr. Barber was born on Nov. 18, 1939, in Springfield, the son of John W. and Margaret "Marmie" Barber.

Mr. Barber attended Bradley University, majoring in business administration. He joined the IBM Corp. upon graduation, retiring after 30 years. He enlisted and served in the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Tactical Fighter Group. He was a partner in RoBar Properties, a real estate brokerage and rental property business, and he was a co-founder and officer of Kwik One Oil and Lube. He maintained a business partnership with Ray Robertson for more than 35 years.

Mr. Barber was a two-term president of the Visiting Nurses Association of Illinois, board member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, a member of the corporate board of Memorial Health Systems and past president of the Fancy Creek Cemetery Association. He was a life member of Sigma Chi fraternity, a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, the Sangamo Club and Island Bay Yacht Club.

He enjoyed sailing, tennis and golf. He particularly enjoyed fine dining, serving as president of the local chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs, a wine and food society, and his membership to the Ordre Mondial Wine Society.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Booth Barber; a son, Robert B. (wife, Marnie) Barber of Jacksonville; a daughter, Ann E. (husband, Mark) Colgrove of Ashland, Mo.; a grandson, Andrew Barber; a granddaughter, Erin Barber; and a brother, Jack (wife, Judy) Barber of Glenarm. He was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed many travels with them.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., with the Rev. David J. Hoefler celebrant.

Burial will follow at Fancy Creek Cemetery near Williamsville.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's School, 1800 South Grand Ave. E., Springfield, IL 62703 or Hospice Care of Illinois (VNA), 720 Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702-9914.

Please visit Mr. Barber's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register from Jun. 28 to Jun. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Barber

10 Entries

Ben & Helen Harmony

July 18, 2008

We are sorry to hear about your loss. Sorry we could not make it in person to give condolences. Thank you for all the business throughout the years.

Karen Davidson

July 4, 2008

Nancy and family - My deepest sympathy to you. I know the loss you must feel. Bob was such a nice, vivacious, friendly person and I will remember all the times he helped me while I was learning to use IBM machines, from the typewriters to the computers. I know he loved his family very much and will be sorely missed. May your religion help you through these trying times.

Dan & Bev TenCate

July 2, 2008

To Nancy & the entire Barber family,
You have our deepest sympathy at the passing of Bob, a truely great guy. We are sorry we couldn't be with you to honor his life but our Son & his family are visiting from Denver. We send our love and comfort to you all and hope his great presence in this life will continue to warm your hearts with wonderful memories.
Love,
Dan TenCate Family

Ken (The Pie) Pierson

July 1, 2008

I do not know the right words to say. I do not know the right things to do. But I have some great memories of Bob and I hope they comfort the family as well.

Sally Galliher

June 30, 2008

Nancy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We were so much a family in IBM Office Products, and I feel the loss very deeply. I admired Bob for his dedication to his family, customers and projects. I hope you don't feel I am disrespectful, but I can just imagine Bob and Paul celebrating Bob's newest Golden Circle. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Carol Bressan

June 30, 2008

To Bob's Family,

I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My deepest sympathy. Bob and I first met back in the 1960's when he worked for IBM and I was a new secretary in the Department of Mental Health trying to learn how to use IBM's latest typewriters!

Mike DeGroot

June 30, 2008

Please accept my sympathies. I owe a significant part of my career to Bob...he helped me get my first job at IBM in the late 80's and he will be missed.

With sincere gratitude,

Janet Ford

June 29, 2008

Dear Barber Family- I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Bob from many years as the club house attendant at Country Hills Golf Course where Bob golfed with Jim Wilday and Jim Burton. Bob was very nice, with impeccable manners and kindness, he will surely be missed.

Paul Gleason

June 29, 2008

Bob,
Our prayers and sympathy got out to you and your family.
Paul and Terie Gleason

Gary & Jo Hepburn

June 28, 2008

Dear Nancy and Family,
Jo and I are very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bob and I go back 50 years when he pledged Sigma Chi Fraternity at Bradley University. Since that time, we have enjoyed many good times filled with great memories, especially the Kentucky Derby parties at your house.
Please accept our sympathies. Bob will be greatly missed by both of us.

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