James "Don" Barber

James “Don” Barber, 72, of Bristol and Ft. Myers, FL, died at home on June 19, 2010 at 2:20 pm of brain cancer.

He was born on Dec. 14, 1937 in Hartford City, IN to James and Edna (Smith) Barber. His parents preceded him in death. He married Sharon E. Kline on Nov. 10, 1956 in Bristol. She survives along with 1 daughter, Tammi (Andrew) Roman of Middlebury, IN and 1 son, Daniel J. Barber of Bristol. Also surviving are a brother, Gary (Sandra) Barber of Gladwin, MI and a sister Theresa Barber of Elkhart; 1 grand-daughter Raina and 3 grandsons, Joseph, Dustin and Daniel.

Don graduated from Elkhart High School in 1955 and was an outstanding athlete. In his senior year he was co-captain and most valuable player on the football team. He set numerous records in track events at Elkhart High School and held the record for the 100 and 220 yard dash for many years. Don received full athletic scholarships in football and track to McNeese State and later Indiana State College where he lettered in track. He was inducted into the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He enjoyed watching Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves for 6 years.

Don worked for the Vollrath Co. in sales for over 30 years. During this time he received many awards for salesman of the year including being the first salesman in the history of the company to have shipments exceeding one million dollars in a month. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Bristol American Legion. Don was known for his quick wit and funny stories. He loved his family and many friends and his dog, Casey.

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Tuesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart and an hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 11 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Father Bob Van Kempen will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery, Bristol.

Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Care at Home Hospice at Goshen General Hospital. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.