BARBER, John Elmer 1921 - 1971

BARBER, REED, GREEN, THOMAS, BRADLEY, WINTERS

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/25/2021 at 20:23:27

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Monday, January 25, 1971
Front Page, Columns 1, 2 and 3

Charges To Be Filed--

Probe Death In Keosauqua

KEOSAUQUA -- State and county officers today continued their investigation in the death of John BARBER, 49, Keosauqua, who collapsed following a fight at the VFW Club here Friday night.

Sheriff Orville Lee said an autopsy performed Saturday at Iowa City indicated BARBER's death resulted from a heart attack.

The investigation is headed by Tom Hopewell, Burlington, an officer of the Iowa Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

BARBER was working at the club when the fight broke out. It was reportedly instigated by two Burlington brothers. Both BARBER and another employe, Ralph Gonterman, were injured when they tried to evict the two men.

Witnesses said the two men fled after BARBER collapsed on the floor. Their abandoned car was found the next morning near Bonaparte.

Identity of the two men is known, but Lee said their names would not be released until charges are filed in the case. The exact charges will depend on further findings in the case, Lee said.

BARBER was a former Fairfield resident. Last rites will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Weston Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Jim Stumbo. Military rites will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

BARBER spent most of his life in the Fairfield and Burmingham communities. He moved to Keosauqua eight months ago. He was born Nov. 4, 1921 in Fairfield, the son of Robert and Eva REED BARBER. He was married to Marjorie GREEN Nov. 29, 1940.

BARBER was a machinist at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for 20 years. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of the VFW.

Surviving are his widow and three sons: Larry, Galesburg, Ill.; Dennis, Keosauqua; and Stephen, Fort Collins, Colo.

Also surviving are one grandson; his mother, Mrs. Eva BARBER, Colona, Ill.; and the following sisters and brothers: Mrs. Ila THOMAS, Tampa, Fla.; Mrs. Shirley BRADLEY, Libertyville; Mrs. Beverly WINTERS, Calona, Ill.; Leo BARBER, Davenport; and Robert BARBER, Fairfield.

His father and two sisters preceded him in death.

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"The Fairfield Ia. Ledger"
Wednesday, February 3, 1971
Page 8, Column 5

CARD OF THANKS

Our heartfelt thanks to all who extended comforting sympathy and help in our recent sorrow. For the beautiful service, floral offerings and other kindnesses we are deeply grateful.

Family of John BARBER

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot 2nd.274½ with wife Marjorie who died in 1993.