BARBER, Edwin J "E.J." - b. October 4, 1925 - d. February 15, 2015

[patyrn]

Edwin J. "Ed" Barber, 85, of Iola, Kansas, died February 15, 2015 at his home.  He was born October 4, 1929 in Long Beach, California, the son of James H. "Bud" Barber and Ruth (Rogers) Barber.

The family returned to Kansas when he was a young child.  He attended school in Howard, Kansas and graduated from Howard High School in 1947.  He received a degree in Secondary Education from College of Emporia in 1951 and moved to Iola, Kansas to teach 7th grade health and 8th grade history in the Iola Middle School.  After thirteen years of teaching, he changed vocations and became a drywall and painting contractor.

Ed was married to Jean Marie Staley on May 28, 1949 in Howard, Kansas, and they had three children.  They were later divorced.  In April 1987, he married Linda (Long) Hamilton.

Ed loved the outdoors and spent time bird-watching, gardening, hunting, and fishing.  He was active in sports, and during his senior year of high school, he was on the championship football and basketball teams. 

Survivors include his wife, Linda; one son, Barry Barber and wife, Nadine of Winfield, Kansas; two daughters, Brenda Bumgardner of Iola, Kansas and Belinda Bertoncino of Maricopa, Arizona; three stepsons, Barry Hamilton of Iola, Kansas, Marc Hamilton of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Travis Hamilton and wife, Carol of Ft. Myers, Florida; one stepdaughter, Angie Walters and husband, Kevin of Chanute, Kansas; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.  Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard "Rick"; and a grandson, Dustin Hamilton. 

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service was held on February 22, 2015 in Iola, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF).  To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.

(taken from the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel website)