John Jean Barber

John Jean Barber, 93, Kokomo, formerly of Burlington, passed away at 5:39 am Thursday, June 20, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo.  He was born August 6, 1925, in Burlington, the son of the late Raymond Franklin & Maple Claire (Smoker) Barber.  On April 25, 1947, he married Mildred Rose King and she survives.

John was a 1943 graduate of Burlington High School.  He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18 in 1943 and served until May 1, 1946.  He arrived in the European Theatre of Operation on February 5, 1945.  During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Victory Medal WWII, EAME Theatre Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, American Theatre Ribbon, and the Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal.  John was privileged to take part in the Honor Flight to Washington DC and see the World War II Memorial on April 16, 2012.

After he returned home, he received his BS in Education in 1950 from Indiana University.  John then received his MS in Education in 1968 from Butler University.  He taught at Burlington High School for 11 years where coached High School basketball.  He finished his teaching career at Northwestern High School in 1984 after 22 years of service.  He was a lifelong member of Burlington Church of Christ and served there in many areas for over 70 years.  John was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family very much. 

Along with his wife Mildred, John is survived by his daughters, Dottye (Carl) Robeson, Camden, and Terri (Paul) Marcellino, Camden; grandchildren, Kurt (Nikole) Robeson, Todd (Pam) Robeson, Katie (Dustin) Van Sloten, Lara (Daniel) Chase, and Dana (Neil) McKinnis; great-grandchildren, Chase, Noah, Joel, Luke, Payt, Oscar, and Asher; and nephews, Scott Smith, and Chris Smith.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Jo Smith.

Visitation with family will be held from 3-5 pm Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, Burlington Chapel, 44 East Michigan Street, Burlington.  Private funeral services will be held later.  Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Burlington Church of Christ, or Robeson/Barber Scholarship Fund for Teachers through Carroll County Community Foundation, 215 W. Sycamore Street, Kokomo, IN 46901.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

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