Jeffrey Van Barber

Jeffrey Van Barber was born in Des Moines, Iowa on October 3, 1944. He passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 19, 2024, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, August 24, from 4-7 pm at the Sunset Memorial Chapel at 7601 Fleur Drive. (Family requests adults only please).
As a young boy Jeff lived at the Fort in Des Moines on the southside where he made lifelong friends. As a young man he worked at Hinky Dinky grocery store and attended Lincoln High school where he was the Senior Class President. He went on to DMACC, where he studied Criminal Justice. He continued his education at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Northwestern University, George Washington University, and the University of Madison, Wisconsin.
Jeff married his high school sweetheart Darlene Barber, his wife of 18 years. They purchased 20 acres in Cumming, Iowa where they raised their two daughters, Michele and Brennan. Their union resulted in 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
In 1979 Jeff and Toni Williams started their life journey and were together for 45 years. They had many exciting adventures and made wonderful memories with friends and family. They were both dog lovers and had many over the years. They had a love of the unique which is reflected in their eclectic collection of art, books and taxidermy.
Jeff had a diverse career. He started in the meat cutting business and then served in the Des Moines Police Department in the early 70's. He became enamored with the Advertising business after working in sales for Ad Color Press. Jeff had an entrepreneurial spirit and in 1977 he became the founder and President of his own award-winning advertising agency Energy Graphics, Inc. Through his business he developed many relationships, one of which was Ruan Transportation where he met John Ruan Sr.
Jeff's connection with John Ruan Sr., developed into a 16-year career with Ruan, starting in 1984. Jeff held several positions ending up as the Senior Vice President of Systems Improvement Group. His work with Ruan was impressive. In 2000 he founded, along with Gary Alvord, WorldWide Integrated Supply Chain Solutions which has gone on to become a successful logistics company. After retiring from WorldWide he continued to do logistics consulting.
Then in 2014 Jeff returned to the meat business by joining his brother Phil, who owned Brewer Food Service as the General Manager.
Jeff's love of music was imbedded in his DNA, he valued substance in lyrics, he was a veracious reader, writer, and music connoisseur. He had a great hunger for knowledge and an appreciation for old books. Jeff was generous and shared his knowledge, guidance, and leadership. He was a mentor to so many. He had a magnetic personality, and people were drawn to him if not for his good looks, then for his wit and intelligence.
Jeff will be missed by his many lifelong friends and family, which is a testament of the man he was.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Jackie and father Phil Sr.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife Toni Barber, daughters Michele Barber (David), Brennan Barber-Hill (Andrew), brother Phil Barber Jr. (Carol), sister's Lynn Beidler, Delana Hutchison (Dale) and Bambi Barber (Wendell).
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or Animal Lifeline of Iowa.