Dale E. Barber

Born at home on June 1, of 1931. Passed away at home, on October 16, 2024 at the age of 93. Starting as a farm hand and saw mill laborer you learned how to weld. You enlisted in the service (like 3 of your sons) but the sawmill was cutting lumber for the US Government so you stayed with the mill. Your parents Harrison E. Barber (deceased Jun 28, 1982) and Helen Mae Barber (deceased June 8, 1984) had six sons : You lived in Rapid City, Sam and Irwin of Lansing; Harrison Jr,, Carl and Chester all of Omer and five daughters, Betty Sweeney of California, Marjorie Haas and Cathy Keeser of Haslett, Donna Robinson of Omer and June Pataky of Twining with 41 nieces and nephews. You worked with your hands as a mechanic in East Tawas, West Branch and Standish but we all know it was to support your stock car racing during the summers at Whittemore Speedway. You were married to Clarissa Cora Spencer, before she passed away from surgical complications. You would later work between Detroit and Lansing on highway construction and then as a dishwasher and bouncer in Grenadier Lansing. It was here that you met Gladys Laws. It was Gladys who introduced you to Pauline Hill and in 1967 you were married at Greensky Hill United Indian Mission. After you were married you worked at Gordon Majeski Construction, Purvis Bros, Dual Drilling and later as an independent welder. You showed two of your children welding basics that they have used as a welder and jewelry designer. You were never without work. After you retired you still planted a full garden, hunted, fished, and traded welding for produce with local farmers. The garage was your space to create and collecting parts was something you loved. You would lend to anyone in need. We still find humor that each child will one day inherit a good set of tires that you saved for us. It was during retirement that you were Grandpa. You enjoyed taking care of the grandchildren and knew exactly when to get the bottle, change a diaper or just take them outside. All the grandchildren had to come with a car seat and be able to ride in the back of the tractor. Even a jogging stroller was purchased so the grandchildren could go to the garden. After receiving a call from the hospital Grandpa was the first to visit. There were plenty of hospital visits with 22 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren. It was an honor as a Grandpa: to wear the bib overalls, present a band-aid, pocket knife or bandana hankie, at just the right time. Two of your daughters would pass away before you (Arissa Vaclavik and Cheryl Barber). I remember you saying “it is not natural for children to pass away before the parents”. In those sad days you and Mom would take rides together to visit family, get ice cream or just end up on the trails in the quiet area broken down, having to hike out for help with your furry friend Lilly. Later in life you enjoyed feeding the birds. With at least 10 bird feeders on the back porch you took care of them when they would hit the window. Holding them gently until their breath came back you would then release them back into the air. So Dad, here we are. We will catch our breath, and move again with fond memories of our days together. With love, your four sons: Duane Barber (Sheila); Dale R. Barber (Christy); Michael A. Fox (Amber) and William Barber (Becky) and six daughters: Arissa Vaclavik (deceased); Linda Burkholder; Vicki Kelderhouse (William); Cheryl Barber; Sandra Alverson (Jerry); Laura Barber Schichtel (Robert) Tuesday October 22nd, 2024 services will be held at Kewadin Indian Mission with a 10 am visitation and 11 am service. Burial will take place at Yuba Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Kewadin Indian Mission dining hall. Memorial contributions in Dale’s name can be directed towards the Kewadin Indian Mission Church.

Dale E. Barber

June 1, 1931 - October 16, 2024