Arthur Barber Jr

Arthur Barber Jr., 78, of Benld, IL, passed away at his son’s residence in Gillespie, IL on Friday, March 11, 2022. Born December 31, 1943, in Cass County, IL, he was a son of the late Arthur Barber Sr. and Mary (Large) Barber. He married Deborah Main on July 10, 1967, and she survives.

 Art was retired from the U.S. Navy and served two tours in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Gillespie, IL, a member of the Mt. Olive VFW Post # 5790, and a member of the Mt. Nebo Masonic Lodge # 76 AF & AM.

He is survived by his wife, Debrah Barber of Benld, IL; 2 sons, Andrew (Melinda) Barber of Gillespie, IL and Timothy (Sara) Barber of Sawyerville, IL; 8 grandchildren, Dakotah (Emily), Morgan, Abigail, Mason (Kendra), Connor, Katy, John Allen, and Shawne Copeland; 1 brother, Richard Barber. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Cindy Westbrook, Barbara Mills, and Mary Roberts; 4 brothers, David, Michael, Ronald, and Ricky Barber.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Gillespie, IL. A Memorial service will follow at 6 PM at First United Methodist Church in Gillespie with Rev. Larry Moreau officiating. Private burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials are suggested to Mission – 22.

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