Donnabelle (Black) BARBER

BARBER, BLACK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/18/2013 at 19:49:46

September 7, 1926 --- January 3, 2009

Oklahoma City residents, Benjamin F. Barber, 87, and his beloved wife, Donnabelle, 82, both passed away in January, 2009. They started their marriage in Greenville, TX, May 1945 and remained together 63 years. Donnabelle entered Heaven January 3rd from Meadowlake Nursing Home, OK and her beloved "Benny" followed soon after on January 30th from Edmond Medical Center, OK. They were some of the first home owners in Oklahoma City's Ranchwood housing development. Living there for over 40 years, their friendliness, generosity and helpfulness made them good friends among their neighbors. They are survived by two children, daughter, Jackie Barber of Anchorage, AK, and son, Dennis C. Barber who lives in the Barber's home in Ranchwood. Though they had no grandchildren, Jackie's two cats, "Boots" and "Calvin" gave them many laughs and cuddles.

Donnabelle was born in Renwick, Iowa, 1926. Her family moved to Rockwell City, IA, where she grew up a small town farm girl. She was a great cook and homemaker. She enjoyed going out to lunch with friends, gardening, playing piano, singing country western music and gospel hymns. "Jesus Loves Me," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "In the Garden" were among her favorites. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Clarence sister, Margaret and survived by sisters, Katherine, High Point, NC Harriett, Adel, IA and Jerilyn, Anchorage, AK.

Benjamin was born and raised in Fonda, IA, 1921. A small town farm boy and son of a veterinarian, he had a love for animals and was a hard worker. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Helen, Lois, Mavis, and David. His great joy in life was flying. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. When the Corps split into Army/Air Force, Ben stayed with the Air Force. He was a licensed flight instructor and also taught instrument flying in link trainers/simulators. He served in the Korean War. During his military career, he was schooled in meteorology and air traffic control. He served in the Civil Air Patrol and was an Honorary Member of the Wheelchair Pilots Association, where he enjoyed assisting disabled pilots to take an aircraft up and fly it to their fullest capabilities. He was a quiet, humble person who strived to instill excellence in the students he was privileged to teach. He retired from the Air Force after 26 years meritorious service. Ben went on to be a Captain with "Commuter Air Lines" out of Ames, IA until obtaining a position with the Federal Aviation Administration. He moved to Oklahoma City and served with FAA at Tinker AFB and Will Rogers World Airport. He was a Flight Instructor: single/multiengine Instrument Airplane Ground Instructor Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor. He inspected airplane accidents, taught at the FAA Academy and gave in-flight tests. Ben was licensed to fly single and multiengine planes, turbo-props, gliders, sea planes and lear jets. After 20 years meritorious service, Ben retired from the FAA, May, 1992. During his retirement, he kept current on his airplane licenses, taught and helped other pilots, and just enjoyed leisure flying visiting friends and relatives.

Ben's beloved wife, Donnabelle, who faithfully moved and lived at numerous military bases with him, was laid to rest January 24, 2009, with a Graveside Service at Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City, IA. Benjamin was laid to rest next to her, February 12, 2009. He was honored with a military funeral by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard, Offutt, Nebraska. The United States flag draping his casket was folded and presented to his daughter.

The Oklahoman -- Oklahoma City, OK
March 1, 2009

[nee Donnabelle Black, daughter of Clarence and Zetta Black]