Woodrow Wilson Barber
(September 7, 1912 - September 20, 2008)
Woodrow Wilson Barber, 96, retired professor of biological sciences at Morehead State University and community leader, passed away at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, on September 20, 2008, after an extended illness.
Woodrow was that rare mix of intellectual thinker and persistent worker. It has been said that "with a man's death, one buries a book"—with Woodrow, one buries a library. Woodrow was born on September 7, 1912, in Dehart, Kentucky, son of George Washington Barber and Mabel Claire Carter Barber. He was the fifth of 10 children. Woodrow quickly learned the value of hard work on the farm, which directed his entire life of work and service. He began chores at age 4, carrying firewood, and advanced to farm manager by age 12. He learned from his father that "one's word is his bond."
Woodrow attended 8 years in the one-room school at Mussel Shoals School in Morgan County where he later taught. He went to high school at Morgan County High at 14, boarding with his older sister. He graduated in 1931 as Salutatorian and went to Morehead College from 1931-1938, teaching in one-room schools in the fall semesters and attending college in the spring semesters.
He married Mabel Marie Williams in 1934. They both taught at Crockett from 1939-1942, where Woodrow was also the principal, basketball coach, and lunchroom food purchaser. Former students say that Mabel and Woodrow brought change to Crockett. He later taught science at Morgan County High School.
To augment funds, Woodrow joined a carpenter union in Dayton, Ohio, to build barracks, became a tool maker in Cincinnati, learned steam pipe fitting, and worked in a rubber plant. With two brothers in the military, he came home to help save the family farm.
He was commissioned as a Navy Lieutenant JG in 1944 and sent to Communication School at Harvard. Serving in the Panama Canal as the Naval Officer in Charge, 15th Naval District, Communications HQT, he refused a promotion to Lt. Commander. That would have entailed 6 months extra duty and Woodrow wanted "to get home to his wife and little boy."
When he returned from the Navy, he owned and operated a garage in West Liberty. In 1951, he managed the Mountain Rural Telephone Company, laying lines, selling contracts, and troubleshooting. He also changed over the telephone system in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, from an operator to a dial system in 1958.
In 1960, he returned to Morehead, where he received his Master's Degree in Education in 1961 and became an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences. He attended the National Science Foundation programs in radiation biology and desert biology and took a sabbatical to the Galapagos Islands to study the giant tortoises. He retired after 30 years of teaching, inspiring excellence and hard work in his pupils and advising students in pre-professional curricula. Students have said he changed their lives, encouraging them and caring about them as individuals, not just students. During this period, Woodrow also was a Park Naturalist at Natural Bridge State Park where he led tours and shared his love and knowledge of nature.
Woodrow also applied his hard work ethic in the community. He was President of the Kiwanis Club in West Liberty and Morehead. His work with the Kiwanians on the Special Olympics earned him a special service award from Eunice Shriver. He was President of the American Legion, Boy Scout Master, and a builder of Camp Judy Layne Girl Scout Camp. He was on the election commission also. In Morehead, Woodrow was Chairman of the Rowan County—Morehead Joint Planning Commission, on the Zoning Commission, and on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Woodrow was on the Cave Run Reservoir Commission, which met with Governor Happy Chandler and instigated the legislation which allowed Cave Run Lake to be built. As chairman of the Morehead Recreation Commission, Woodrow was instrumental in developing and building the Morehead City Park and teen center. He said the "children didn't even have a vacant lot to play on." The swimming pool was named the Woodrow Barber Swimming Pool. In his 70's, he was elected Mayor of Lakeview Heights for 15 years, where he conceived and executed a new community center. His neighbors honored him there with a Ninetieth Birthday Party and designated the meeting room as the Woodrow Barber Meeting Room. Woodrow was a member of the Morehead Christian Church and had been a member of the Masonic Lodges in West Liberty and Morehead. He received a proclamation from the Kentucky Assembly for his service to the community.
After retirement, Woodrow and Mabel enjoyed a six-week trip to the South Pacific and a cruise to Alaska and winters in Florida. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and gardening, and spending time with friends. He was a judge for the Extension Service Outstanding Gardens Award and had even won gardening awards himself.
Woodrow participated in many family functions with his two children, Dr. George Curtis (Cheryl Caudill) Barber, Morehead, Kentucky, and Janie Claire Barber (Ron) Kissling, Marietta, Georgia, including a recent wedding and high school graduation.
In addition to his children, Woodrow is survived by seven grandchildren and spouses—Mark (Marty Croft) Barber, Atlanta, GA; Jeff (Jeanne Temps) Barber, Suwanee, GA; David (Lisa Russo) Barber, Charlotte, NC; Michael Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; Kurt (Jody Ma) Kissling, Marietta, GA; Lori Anne Kissling (Turner) Collins, Orlando, FL; and Robert Wilson Kissling, Charlotte, NC; and a step grandson, Eric Caudill, Morehead, KY.
Woodrow also has three great grandchildren—Alan Barber, Suwanee, GA; Jacob Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; and Maren Kissling, Marietta, GA. Other survivors include one sister, Jean Barber Sheets, Vero Beach, FL, and one sister-in-law, Lois Carmichael Barber, West Liberty, KY, countless beloved nieces and nephews and his friend and caregiver, Michelle Viars.
Preceding Woodrow in death were his beloved wife Mabel in 1995, his daughter-in-law, Joyce Haney Barber, and his siblings and their spouses--James and Beatrice Frisby, Raymond Barber, Walter and Gladys Bryant, Earl and Irene Murphy, Drexel and Betty Barber, Roy and Pearl Ferguson, Col. William E. and Ione Barber, Harold Barber, and brother-in-law Basil Sheets. Woodrow helped plan and support family reunions through the years which kept his family clan connected.
Woodrow Wilson Barber's life of hard work and excellence has changed countless students and citizens of surrounding counties, and has impacted his family. He has been a role model of excellence, integrity, and faith. His wit, funny stories, and tales of the past imparted history to those who sat at his side. Woodrow has been a "tough old bird" as his doctor commented at his 96th birthday party in the hospital. He will be missed but he was so looking forward to going on "to Heaven."
The viewing will be on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Molly Smothers officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military rites conducted by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.
Memorial donations can be made in Woodrow's honor to the Woodrow W. Barber Scholarship Fund at Morehead State University Foundation Inc., Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351 or the First Christian Church Outreach Fund, 227 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351.
(September 7, 1912 - September 20, 2008)
Woodrow Wilson Barber, 96, retired professor of biological sciences at Morehead State University and community leader, passed away at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, on September 20, 2008, after an extended illness.
Woodrow was that rare mix of intellectual thinker and persistent worker. It has been said that "with a man's death, one buries a book"—with Woodrow, one buries a library. Woodrow was born on September 7, 1912, in Dehart, Kentucky, son of George Washington Barber and Mabel Claire Carter Barber. He was the fifth of 10 children. Woodrow quickly learned the value of hard work on the farm, which directed his entire life of work and service. He began chores at age 4, carrying firewood, and advanced to farm manager by age 12. He learned from his father that "one's word is his bond."
Woodrow attended 8 years in the one-room school at Mussel Shoals School in Morgan County where he later taught. He went to high school at Morgan County High at 14, boarding with his older sister. He graduated in 1931 as Salutatorian and went to Morehead College from 1931-1938, teaching in one-room schools in the fall semesters and attending college in the spring semesters.
He married Mabel Marie Williams in 1934. They both taught at Crockett from 1939-1942, where Woodrow was also the principal, basketball coach, and lunchroom food purchaser. Former students say that Mabel and Woodrow brought change to Crockett. He later taught science at Morgan County High School.
To augment funds, Woodrow joined a carpenter union in Dayton, Ohio, to build barracks, became a tool maker in Cincinnati, learned steam pipe fitting, and worked in a rubber plant. With two brothers in the military, he came home to help save the family farm.
He was commissioned as a Navy Lieutenant JG in 1944 and sent to Communication School at Harvard. Serving in the Panama Canal as the Naval Officer in Charge, 15th Naval District, Communications HQT, he refused a promotion to Lt. Commander. That would have entailed 6 months extra duty and Woodrow wanted "to get home to his wife and little boy."
When he returned from the Navy, he owned and operated a garage in West Liberty. In 1951, he managed the Mountain Rural Telephone Company, laying lines, selling contracts, and troubleshooting. He also changed over the telephone system in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, from an operator to a dial system in 1958.
In 1960, he returned to Morehead, where he received his Master's Degree in Education in 1961 and became an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences. He attended the National Science Foundation programs in radiation biology and desert biology and took a sabbatical to the Galapagos Islands to study the giant tortoises. He retired after 30 years of teaching, inspiring excellence and hard work in his pupils and advising students in pre-professional curricula. Students have said he changed their lives, encouraging them and caring about them as individuals, not just students. During this period, Woodrow also was a Park Naturalist at Natural Bridge State Park where he led tours and shared his love and knowledge of nature.
Woodrow also applied his hard work ethic in the community. He was President of the Kiwanis Club in West Liberty and Morehead. His work with the Kiwanians on the Special Olympics earned him a special service award from Eunice Shriver. He was President of the American Legion, Boy Scout Master, and a builder of Camp Judy Layne Girl Scout Camp. He was on the election commission also. In Morehead, Woodrow was Chairman of the Rowan County—Morehead Joint Planning Commission, on the Zoning Commission, and on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Woodrow was on the Cave Run Reservoir Commission, which met with Governor Happy Chandler and instigated the legislation which allowed Cave Run Lake to be built. As chairman of the Morehead Recreation Commission, Woodrow was instrumental in developing and building the Morehead City Park and teen center. He said the "children didn't even have a vacant lot to play on." The swimming pool was named the Woodrow Barber Swimming Pool. In his 70's, he was elected Mayor of Lakeview Heights for 15 years, where he conceived and executed a new community center. His neighbors honored him there with a Ninetieth Birthday Party and designated the meeting room as the Woodrow Barber Meeting Room. Woodrow was a member of the Morehead Christian Church and had been a member of the Masonic Lodges in West Liberty and Morehead. He received a proclamation from the Kentucky Assembly for his service to the community.
After retirement, Woodrow and Mabel enjoyed a six-week trip to the South Pacific and a cruise to Alaska and winters in Florida. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and gardening, and spending time with friends. He was a judge for the Extension Service Outstanding Gardens Award and had even won gardening awards himself.
Woodrow participated in many family functions with his two children, Dr. George Curtis (Cheryl Caudill) Barber, Morehead, Kentucky, and Janie Claire Barber (Ron) Kissling, Marietta, Georgia, including a recent wedding and high school graduation.
In addition to his children, Woodrow is survived by seven grandchildren and spouses—Mark (Marty Croft) Barber, Atlanta, GA; Jeff (Jeanne Temps) Barber, Suwanee, GA; David (Lisa Russo) Barber, Charlotte, NC; Michael Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; Kurt (Jody Ma) Kissling, Marietta, GA; Lori Anne Kissling (Turner) Collins, Orlando, FL; and Robert Wilson Kissling, Charlotte, NC; and a step grandson, Eric Caudill, Morehead, KY.
Woodrow also has three great grandchildren—Alan Barber, Suwanee, GA; Jacob Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; and Maren Kissling, Marietta, GA. Other survivors include one sister, Jean Barber Sheets, Vero Beach, FL, and one sister-in-law, Lois Carmichael Barber, West Liberty, KY, countless beloved nieces and nephews and his friend and caregiver, Michelle Viars.
Preceding Woodrow in death were his beloved wife Mabel in 1995, his daughter-in-law, Joyce Haney Barber, and his siblings and their spouses--James and Beatrice Frisby, Raymond Barber, Walter and Gladys Bryant, Earl and Irene Murphy, Drexel and Betty Barber, Roy and Pearl Ferguson, Col. William E. and Ione Barber, Harold Barber, and brother-in-law Basil Sheets. Woodrow helped plan and support family reunions through the years which kept his family clan connected.
Woodrow Wilson Barber's life of hard work and excellence has changed countless students and citizens of surrounding counties, and has impacted his family. He has been a role model of excellence, integrity, and faith. His wit, funny stories, and tales of the past imparted history to those who sat at his side. Woodrow has been a "tough old bird" as his doctor commented at his 96th birthday party in the hospital. He will be missed but he was so looking forward to going on "to Heaven."
The viewing will be on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Molly Smothers officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military rites conducted by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.
Memorial donations can be made in Woodrow's honor to the Woodrow W. Barber Scholarship Fund at Morehead State University Foundation Inc., Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351 or the First Christian Church Outreach Fund, 227 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351.
Woodrow Wilson Barber
(September 7, 1912 - September 20, 2008)
Woodrow Wilson Barber, 96, retired professor of biological sciences at Morehead State University and community leader, passed away at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, on September 20, 2008, after an extended illness.
Woodrow was that rare mix of intellectual thinker and persistent worker. It has been said that "with a man's death, one buries a book"—with Woodrow, one buries a library. Woodrow was born on September 7, 1912, in Dehart, Kentucky, son of George Washington Barber and Mabel Claire Carter Barber. He was the fifth of 10 children. Woodrow quickly learned the value of hard work on the farm, which directed his entire life of work and service. He began chores at age 4, carrying firewood, and advanced to farm manager by age 12. He learned from his father that "one's word is his bond."
Woodrow attended 8 years in the one-room school at Mussel Shoals School in Morgan County where he later taught. He went to high school at Morgan County High at 14, boarding with his older sister. He graduated in 1931 as Salutatorian and went to Morehead College from 1931-1938, teaching in one-room schools in the fall semesters and attending college in the spring semesters.
He married Mabel Marie Williams in 1934. They both taught at Crockett from 1939-1942, where Woodrow was also the principal, basketball coach, and lunchroom food purchaser. Former students say that Mabel and Woodrow brought change to Crockett. He later taught science at Morgan County High School.
To augment funds, Woodrow joined a carpenter union in Dayton, Ohio, to build barracks, became a tool maker in Cincinnati, learned steam pipe fitting, and worked in a rubber plant. With two brothers in the military, he came home to help save the family farm.
He was commissioned as a Navy Lieutenant JG in 1944 and sent to Communication School at Harvard. Serving in the Panama Canal as the Naval Officer in Charge, 15th Naval District, Communications HQT, he refused a promotion to Lt. Commander. That would have entailed 6 months extra duty and Woodrow wanted "to get home to his wife and little boy."
When he returned from the Navy, he owned and operated a garage in West Liberty. In 1951, he managed the Mountain Rural Telephone Company, laying lines, selling contracts, and troubleshooting. He also changed over the telephone system in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, from an operator to a dial system in 1958.
In 1960, he returned to Morehead, where he received his Master's Degree in Education in 1961 and became an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences. He attended the National Science Foundation programs in radiation biology and desert biology and took a sabbatical to the Galapagos Islands to study the giant tortoises. He retired after 30 years of teaching, inspiring excellence and hard work in his pupils and advising students in pre-professional curricula. Students have said he changed their lives, encouraging them and caring about them as individuals, not just students. During this period, Woodrow also was a Park Naturalist at Natural Bridge State Park where he led tours and shared his love and knowledge of nature.
Woodrow also applied his hard work ethic in the community. He was President of the Kiwanis Club in West Liberty and Morehead. His work with the Kiwanians on the Special Olympics earned him a special service award from Eunice Shriver. He was President of the American Legion, Boy Scout Master, and a builder of Camp Judy Layne Girl Scout Camp. He was on the election commission also. In Morehead, Woodrow was Chairman of the Rowan County—Morehead Joint Planning Commission, on the Zoning Commission, and on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Woodrow was on the Cave Run Reservoir Commission, which met with Governor Happy Chandler and instigated the legislation which allowed Cave Run Lake to be built. As chairman of the Morehead Recreation Commission, Woodrow was instrumental in developing and building the Morehead City Park and teen center. He said the "children didn't even have a vacant lot to play on." The swimming pool was named the Woodrow Barber Swimming Pool. In his 70's, he was elected Mayor of Lakeview Heights for 15 years, where he conceived and executed a new community center. His neighbors honored him there with a Ninetieth Birthday Party and designated the meeting room as the Woodrow Barber Meeting Room. Woodrow was a member of the Morehead Christian Church and had been a member of the Masonic Lodges in West Liberty and Morehead. He received a proclamation from the Kentucky Assembly for his service to the community.
After retirement, Woodrow and Mabel enjoyed a six-week trip to the South Pacific and a cruise to Alaska and winters in Florida. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and gardening, and spending time with friends. He was a judge for the Extension Service Outstanding Gardens Award and had even won gardening awards himself.
Woodrow participated in many family functions with his two children, Dr. George Curtis (Cheryl Caudill) Barber, Morehead, Kentucky, and Janie Claire Barber (Ron) Kissling, Marietta, Georgia, including a recent wedding and high school graduation.
In addition to his children, Woodrow is survived by seven grandchildren and spouses—Mark (Marty Croft) Barber, Atlanta, GA; Jeff (Jeanne Temps) Barber, Suwanee, GA; David (Lisa Russo) Barber, Charlotte, NC; Michael Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; Kurt (Jody Ma) Kissling, Marietta, GA; Lori Anne Kissling (Turner) Collins, Orlando, FL; and Robert Wilson Kissling, Charlotte, NC; and a step grandson, Eric Caudill, Morehead, KY.
Woodrow also has three great grandchildren—Alan Barber, Suwanee, GA; Jacob Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; and Maren Kissling, Marietta, GA. Other survivors include one sister, Jean Barber Sheets, Vero Beach, FL, and one sister-in-law, Lois Carmichael Barber, West Liberty, KY, countless beloved nieces and nephews and his friend and caregiver, Michelle Viars.
Preceding Woodrow in death were his beloved wife Mabel in 1995, his daughter-in-law, Joyce Haney Barber, and his siblings and their spouses--James and Beatrice Frisby, Raymond Barber, Walter and Gladys Bryant, Earl and Irene Murphy, Drexel and Betty Barber, Roy and Pearl Ferguson, Col. William E. and Ione Barber, Harold Barber, and brother-in-law Basil Sheets. Woodrow helped plan and support family reunions through the years which kept his family clan connected.
Woodrow Wilson Barber's life of hard work and excellence has changed countless students and citizens of surrounding counties, and has impacted his family. He has been a role model of excellence, integrity, and faith. His wit, funny stories, and tales of the past imparted history to those who sat at his side. Woodrow has been a "tough old bird" as his doctor commented at his 96th birthday party in the hospital. He will be missed but he was so looking forward to going on "to Heaven."
The viewing will be on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Molly Smothers officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military rites conducted by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.
Memorial donations can be made in Woodrow's honor to the Woodrow W. Barber Scholarship Fund at Morehead State University Foundation Inc., Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351 or the First Christian Church Outreach Fund, 227 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351.
(September 7, 1912 - September 20, 2008)
Woodrow Wilson Barber, 96, retired professor of biological sciences at Morehead State University and community leader, passed away at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, on September 20, 2008, after an extended illness.
Woodrow was that rare mix of intellectual thinker and persistent worker. It has been said that "with a man's death, one buries a book"—with Woodrow, one buries a library. Woodrow was born on September 7, 1912, in Dehart, Kentucky, son of George Washington Barber and Mabel Claire Carter Barber. He was the fifth of 10 children. Woodrow quickly learned the value of hard work on the farm, which directed his entire life of work and service. He began chores at age 4, carrying firewood, and advanced to farm manager by age 12. He learned from his father that "one's word is his bond."
Woodrow attended 8 years in the one-room school at Mussel Shoals School in Morgan County where he later taught. He went to high school at Morgan County High at 14, boarding with his older sister. He graduated in 1931 as Salutatorian and went to Morehead College from 1931-1938, teaching in one-room schools in the fall semesters and attending college in the spring semesters.
He married Mabel Marie Williams in 1934. They both taught at Crockett from 1939-1942, where Woodrow was also the principal, basketball coach, and lunchroom food purchaser. Former students say that Mabel and Woodrow brought change to Crockett. He later taught science at Morgan County High School.
To augment funds, Woodrow joined a carpenter union in Dayton, Ohio, to build barracks, became a tool maker in Cincinnati, learned steam pipe fitting, and worked in a rubber plant. With two brothers in the military, he came home to help save the family farm.
He was commissioned as a Navy Lieutenant JG in 1944 and sent to Communication School at Harvard. Serving in the Panama Canal as the Naval Officer in Charge, 15th Naval District, Communications HQT, he refused a promotion to Lt. Commander. That would have entailed 6 months extra duty and Woodrow wanted "to get home to his wife and little boy."
When he returned from the Navy, he owned and operated a garage in West Liberty. In 1951, he managed the Mountain Rural Telephone Company, laying lines, selling contracts, and troubleshooting. He also changed over the telephone system in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, from an operator to a dial system in 1958.
In 1960, he returned to Morehead, where he received his Master's Degree in Education in 1961 and became an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences. He attended the National Science Foundation programs in radiation biology and desert biology and took a sabbatical to the Galapagos Islands to study the giant tortoises. He retired after 30 years of teaching, inspiring excellence and hard work in his pupils and advising students in pre-professional curricula. Students have said he changed their lives, encouraging them and caring about them as individuals, not just students. During this period, Woodrow also was a Park Naturalist at Natural Bridge State Park where he led tours and shared his love and knowledge of nature.
Woodrow also applied his hard work ethic in the community. He was President of the Kiwanis Club in West Liberty and Morehead. His work with the Kiwanians on the Special Olympics earned him a special service award from Eunice Shriver. He was President of the American Legion, Boy Scout Master, and a builder of Camp Judy Layne Girl Scout Camp. He was on the election commission also. In Morehead, Woodrow was Chairman of the Rowan County—Morehead Joint Planning Commission, on the Zoning Commission, and on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Woodrow was on the Cave Run Reservoir Commission, which met with Governor Happy Chandler and instigated the legislation which allowed Cave Run Lake to be built. As chairman of the Morehead Recreation Commission, Woodrow was instrumental in developing and building the Morehead City Park and teen center. He said the "children didn't even have a vacant lot to play on." The swimming pool was named the Woodrow Barber Swimming Pool. In his 70's, he was elected Mayor of Lakeview Heights for 15 years, where he conceived and executed a new community center. His neighbors honored him there with a Ninetieth Birthday Party and designated the meeting room as the Woodrow Barber Meeting Room. Woodrow was a member of the Morehead Christian Church and had been a member of the Masonic Lodges in West Liberty and Morehead. He received a proclamation from the Kentucky Assembly for his service to the community.
After retirement, Woodrow and Mabel enjoyed a six-week trip to the South Pacific and a cruise to Alaska and winters in Florida. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and gardening, and spending time with friends. He was a judge for the Extension Service Outstanding Gardens Award and had even won gardening awards himself.
Woodrow participated in many family functions with his two children, Dr. George Curtis (Cheryl Caudill) Barber, Morehead, Kentucky, and Janie Claire Barber (Ron) Kissling, Marietta, Georgia, including a recent wedding and high school graduation.
In addition to his children, Woodrow is survived by seven grandchildren and spouses—Mark (Marty Croft) Barber, Atlanta, GA; Jeff (Jeanne Temps) Barber, Suwanee, GA; David (Lisa Russo) Barber, Charlotte, NC; Michael Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; Kurt (Jody Ma) Kissling, Marietta, GA; Lori Anne Kissling (Turner) Collins, Orlando, FL; and Robert Wilson Kissling, Charlotte, NC; and a step grandson, Eric Caudill, Morehead, KY.
Woodrow also has three great grandchildren—Alan Barber, Suwanee, GA; Jacob Barber, Sandy Hook, KY; and Maren Kissling, Marietta, GA. Other survivors include one sister, Jean Barber Sheets, Vero Beach, FL, and one sister-in-law, Lois Carmichael Barber, West Liberty, KY, countless beloved nieces and nephews and his friend and caregiver, Michelle Viars.
Preceding Woodrow in death were his beloved wife Mabel in 1995, his daughter-in-law, Joyce Haney Barber, and his siblings and their spouses--James and Beatrice Frisby, Raymond Barber, Walter and Gladys Bryant, Earl and Irene Murphy, Drexel and Betty Barber, Roy and Pearl Ferguson, Col. William E. and Ione Barber, Harold Barber, and brother-in-law Basil Sheets. Woodrow helped plan and support family reunions through the years which kept his family clan connected.
Woodrow Wilson Barber's life of hard work and excellence has changed countless students and citizens of surrounding counties, and has impacted his family. He has been a role model of excellence, integrity, and faith. His wit, funny stories, and tales of the past imparted history to those who sat at his side. Woodrow has been a "tough old bird" as his doctor commented at his 96th birthday party in the hospital. He will be missed but he was so looking forward to going on "to Heaven."
The viewing will be on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Molly Smothers officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military rites conducted by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.
Memorial donations can be made in Woodrow's honor to the Woodrow W. Barber Scholarship Fund at Morehead State University Foundation Inc., Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351 or the First Christian Church Outreach Fund, 227 East Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351.
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