Ben William Barber Jr.'s Obituary
Benjamin William Barber, Jr., age 79, of Chanute, KS, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017. Ben was born on December 25, 1937 in Beloit, KS, the son of Benjamin William and Catherine Merle (Cotton) Barber.
On June 16, 1963, Ben married Mary Louise Scott in Coffeyville, KS. She survives him at their home.
Ben graduated from Beloit High School in 1956 and from Kansas State University in 1961 with a degree in architecture. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. After graduation, he served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force until 1965 when he moved to Chanute. He practiced architecture in Chanute, York, PA. and Kansas City, MO. Ben was a member of the American Institute of Architects, past president of the Kansas Society of the American Institute of Architects, past president of the Chanute Kiwanis Club, former president of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, a member of the Neosho Investment Club and a member of the Kansas State University Alumni Association.
Ben was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Chanute. He was also active with the Boy Scouts in Chanute and York, PA. In is free time he enjoyed building model circus wagons and improving his model “Scott and Barber” circus display.
Ben is survived by:
Wife:
Mary Louise Barber, of the home
Son:
Scott William Barber of Chandler, AZ
Sister:
Catherine Stephens of Lawrence, KS
Niece:
Carrie Volle
Nephew:
David Stephens
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Chanute, KS. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery will follow. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the Chanute First Presbyterian Church or the Martin and Osa Safari Museum and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 16 N Forest, Chanute, KS 66720.
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