Gary G. Barber (66) of Effingham

Gary G. Barber, 66, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

A celebration of life for Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1 at Faith Lutheran Church, Shumway. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday prior to the service at the church. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or to the family for medical expenses.

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Gary was born on November 23, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of Eugene N. and Erline Sarah (Flentge) Barber. He married Darleen Kinkelaar and to that union two daughters were born: Carrie and Kelly. He married Susan Yingst on December 6, 2003.

Gary was a devoted family man who loved, lived, and gave with his whole heart at every opportunity. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Despite the odds against him during these last few years, he managed to smile and make others laugh. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Every chance he got, he went to Effingham Sportsman’s Club to shoot skeet or shoot the breeze. Gary’s treasured hobbies included cruising Lake Sara in his pontoon boat or the open roads on his motorcycle. Gary was a kind, genuine soul who will be missed by many. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway.

Gary is survived by his wife, Susan Barber of Effingham; daughters, Carrie (Drew Johnson) Crippen and Kelly (Jay) Mix, both of Effingham; grandchildren, Geoff and Mark Crippen, both of Metropolis, Ty and Cade Sprakties, and Jordyn Mix, all of Effingham; siblings, Guy Barber of Troy, MO, Ann (John) Steele of St. Charles, MO, and Jane Barber of Bowling Green, MO; sisters-in-law, Joy Tucker and Marilyn (Jon) Dust, both of Effingham; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Janet Herbst.