Joseph Allen Barber

BARBER, Joseph Allen J. Allen Barber, age 82, of Kalamazoo, passed away on Sunday evening, January 11, 2015 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on April 28, 1932 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the only child of the late Joseph A. Sr. and Dorothy V. Marshall Barber. On June 5, 1952, Allen was united in marriage to the former Virginia Marie Ward. He worked as a minister for over 60 years. Allen was the minister at East Main Church of Christ from 1968-1980 and Portage Church of Christ from 1983-1995, when he retired. He also was employed by Stryker Corp from 1980-1995. During retirement, Allen remained very active in the East Main Church of Christ where he remained a member. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Virginia Marie Barber; three daughters, Faith Barber of Kalamazoo, Leisa Love Perry of Schoolcraft and Joy Allen Barber of Kalamazoo; son-in-law, Donald Shull of Henderson, TN; seven grandchildren, Melissa Brian Thompson, Jeremy Sabrina Perry, Allen Leah Shull, Justin Dawn Perry, Nicholas Barber, Will Allison Shull and Molly David Meador; nine great-grandchildren; Tyler, Makayla, Leeland, Isabella, Clara, Roland, Adelyn, Philip and Dekland. Preceding him in death was a daughter, Angela Hope Shull. A memorial service to celebrate J Allen Barber's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 17, at East Main Church of Christ, 2528 E. Main Street, Kalamazoo. Friends may visit with family 1 hour before the service & immediately following service in the fellowship hall where light refreshments will be served. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center, c/o Freed-Hardeman University, 158 East Main St, Henderson, TN. 38840.