Chris W. Barber, age 71, of Wellston, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Marietta, Ohio on September 17, 1949 to the late Max and Donna Jill (Warren) Barber, Chris and his family moved several times throughout his life including Nelsonville, Wellston, Jackson and McArthur. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1968. Chris was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was drafted in 1969 during the Vietnam War, having been stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and served 18 months in Germany before his honorable discharge in 1971. Chris was a hard worker, dedicated community representative, loving family man and a friend to many. He was a former employee of G&J Auto Parts, Parts Plus and Big A Auto Parts for 23 years. Following those years, he was employed at Dallas Chevrolet in Jackson and later retired from Rumpke Waste and Recycling.
Chris was very active and involved in several organizations including: member and Past Commander and Officer of American Legion Post 371, D.A.V. and Honor Guard, Sons of the American Legion, 40 et 8, V.F.W. Post 9092, AmVets, Black Diamond Lodge #538 F&AM, Shiloh Shrine Club, Buckeye Boys State, Good Guys Car Club, Buckeye Hero Hunt, Elks Lodge, amongst numerous other community involvements and accolades. He was also former Service Director for the city of Wellston and 4th Ward City Councilman.
Chris was an avid car enthusiast, rebuilding classic cars and attending car shows, along with playing pool with his friends, taking long rides on his motorcycle, drag racing, tinkering in his garage and being “President of the neighborhood watch”. Above all, family came first in his life. He always enjoyed their summer and family vacations and following and watching his grandchildren cheer and play sports.
Chris is survived by his wife, Peggy Bell Barber, whom he shared 49 years together; daughter, Cindi (Chris) Graham; grandchildren, Ciara (Sean) Bobbitt, Grant Thompson and Michael Graham; great-granddaughter, Savannah Bobbitt; siblings, Janice (Howie) Barber Morris, Marsha Collins and Kevin Barber; nieces and nephews, Jared (Chrissy) Collins, Darren (Tami) Collins, Sheri (Mike) Kamer, Darla (Chuck) Speakman, Marnee (Dave) Sprague, Bobbi (Jamie) Dunfee Brewer and Donny (Cara) Dunfee; special buddy, Zeke Speakman; in-laws, Brenda Fee, Jim (Sharon)Bell, Bill (Judy) Bell and Don Dunfee; along with several great-nices, great-nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, Chris was preceded in death by brother, Gary Barber, brother-in-law, Jim Collins and Ralph Bell; sister-in-law, Judy Bell Dunfee; and nephew, Shane Barber. Calling hours will be Friday, March 26, 2021, from 4 to 8 P.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.
Funeral service will be Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 11 A.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Jadrnicek officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Chris’ memory be given to the Jackson County Dog Pound, c/o Jackson County Commissioners, 275 Portsmouth Street, Jackson, Ohio 45640 or American Legion Post 371 Boys Scholarship Fund, 1001 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692. For those choosing to attend the services, facial coverings are required inside the building along with the practice of social distancing. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com