Rev. Wilber C. Barber, 97, formerly of Cyclone and Indiana, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday July 20, 2022.
Born on January 24, 1925, in Cyclone, he was a son of the late Clinton and Frieda (Work) Barber.
He attended grammar school in Cyclone and graduated from Smethport High School in 1942.
On May 11, 1946, in the United Brethren Church in Degolia, he married Lois June (Frair) Barber. Together they raised two girls Betsy Ann and Nancy Louise. Lois preceded him in death on December 9, 2005.
Wilber served in the United States Army during WW II for three years, two of those in the South Pacific with the 164th Infantry Division under General Douglas McArthur, Supreme Commander, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant with three major campaigns in Bouganville and twice in the Philippine Islands.
Wilber worked in the local oil fields dressing tools for a short time, and then for Syracuse Supply Company in the repair and delivery of Caterpillar Tractors before entering College to prepare for the Gospel Ministry.
This preparation included receiving a diploma in Biblical studies from Philadelphia College of the Bible in 1950-54, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Baptist Bible Seminary of Clarks Summit in 1969, a Master's Degree in Social Studies from International Bible College and Seminary of Independence in Missouri in 1999, and a diploma in Counseling from the Pennsylvania Counseling Center in Harrisburg in 1973.
Rev. Barber dedicated 63 years serving as Pastor in three states, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, along with the opportunity to serve in the Smethport Area school system for 10 years, and teaching in church school academics for 11 years.
Surviving is one-son-law, Roger Martin of Scotrun, two grandchildren, Gregg Wesley Martin, and Jennifer Martin, three great grandchildren, Selena, Dylan, and Daniel Martin, two sisters, Mary Barrett, and Delores Ensell, two brothers, Glenn Barber, and Harold Barber, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, of nearly 60 years, three daughters, infant Judy Kay Barber who died in 1948, Nancy L. Barber and Betsy Ann Martin, five sisters, Grace Fowler, Joyce Flagg, Betty Stoddard, Vivian Bruce, Joan Appleby.
Friends will be received on Monday July 25, 2022, from 10:00 am to Noon in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, where funeral services will be held at Noon with Rev. Max Simms, Pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church officiating, followed by committal services and Military Honors, by members of the United States Army and members of the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post #108 of Bradford. Burial will follow in McKean Memorial Park.
This funeral service will be live streamed at Noon, to view this service visit www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Missionary Ministry % Calvary Baptist Church, 11394 Rt 286 Highway East, Clymer PA 15728.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com