Donald O. Barber, age 91 of rural Tipton, passed away on March 18, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born February 9, 1924 near Frankton, the son of Virgil and Wava (Swart) Barber. He was a 1941 graduate of Frankton High School, and started farming at an early age. He continued to farm all of his life and operated Barber Family Farms. On March 11, 1944, he married the love of his life, Anita Ruth Jarrett, and they shared 71 years of marriage together. Don was a 32nd Degree Mason and nearly 70-year member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 in Elwood and member of both the York Scottish Rite and Shriner's Club. He was also a member of the Windfall Lions Club and the Winnebago Travel Club. He enjoyed camping, attending farm progress shows, and going to tractor shows around the area. He and his wife were "Snowbirds" for 41 years and enjoyed spending their winters in Lakeland, Florida. More than anything, Don loved spending time with his family and working on the family farm.

Don's surviving family includes his wife of 71 years, Anita R. Barber of Tipton; children, Doneta (Smoke) Merida of Tipton, Keith (Barb) Barber of Elwood, Tony (ViAnn) Barber of Elwood, and Jeff (Jenny) Barber of Elwood; daughter-in-law, Joyce Barber of Elwood; 13 grandchildren, Greg (Traci) Merida, Lisa Merida, Staci (Brant) Sell, Kelli (Rob) English, Brandi Freese, Josh (Jess) Barber, Blake (Sarah) Barber, Brandon Barber (Fiancée Katelynn Morris), Stacy Trueblood, Shawn (Wendy) Smith, Jeff (Jacque) Fetz, Todd (Shelly) Nance, and Dodi Baldwin; 29 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Phil Barber, brother, William Barber; 2 sisters, Doris Shepard and Virginia Barber; and great-grandson, Colton Mince.

Don's family would like the thank Guardian Angel Hospice; Heart & Soul Caring in Tipton; and special caregivers, Cassie, Elizabeth, Karen, Tracy, and Shezelle who all provided outstanding care for Don.

Funeral services celebrating Don's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Ron Meyer of Harmony Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Friday, March 20, 2015 at the funeral home, and will include a 7:00 PM Masonic Memorial by Quincy Masonic Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.