Time For Memory

Theodore D. Barber

1954 - 2011

Theodore Donald "Ted" Barber, age 56 of Greenville, died early Thursday, September 22, 2011. He was born November 28, 1954 in Lakeview, the son of Donald and Beatrice (Brimmer) Barber. Ted graduated from Greenville High School with the class of 1974. On December 2, 1978, he married Patricia Wilson in Grand Rapids. He worked for Consumers Energy for 25 years, a job he enjoyed and excelled at. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt and fish. He was an active member of the Flat River Conservation Club, where he had serves as a Board member. He was a collector and lover of Allis Chalmers tractors. He atttended First Congregational Church. Ted had a wonderful sense of humor, and was well-liked by friends and strangers alike. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 33 years, Patty; his children, of whom he was so proud, Nicholas Barber (Linsey Christensen) of Greenville and Becky (Joshua) Taylor of Rockford; parents, Donald and Beatrice Barber of Greenville; siblings, Charles Barber of Grand Rapids and Nancy (Dave) Arntz of Greenville; sisters-in-law, Pauline (Dan) Vincent of Rockford, Linda (Brad) Wheeler of Rockford, and Barb (Carl) Musshorn of Plant City, FL; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, September 26, 2011 at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, the Rev. Dr. Jerrold T. Jones officiating, with burial to follow in Trufant Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to the Flat River Conservation Club.

There are currently 74 condolences.

Phil Saturday December 21, 2019 at 4:19 AM
Merry Christmas Uncle Ted..

1 Wednesday January 4, 2012 at 7:59 PM
-1'

Lansing Gas Roc Wednesday October 26, 2011 at 7:57 PM
The Lansing ROC at Consumers misses Ted's sense of humor and work ethic. He was a great guy.

Andy Cole Sunday October 16, 2011 at 1:06 PM
Patty, Ted and I had some goodtimes together going on road trips to who knows where. Especially I remember of the great times we had on the many trips that we took to Trout Lake bird hunting. What began as a simple weekend trip evolved into an annual ritual that took days and days of discussion espically on Ted's part about when to leave, what to bring along, what to eat and had to make sure that I bring my coffee pot so that I could make the "best coffee ever" Makes me laugh just thinking about our UP adventures. We had some goodtimes didn't we good buddy. Andy

Nick Springsteen Saturday October 15, 2011 at 10:50 AM
To all the Barbers, You know how much we care about you all and how much you miss your husband/dad. We were all better off with him around. My memories of Ted are his graciousness always. He got a little frustrated with parts of life at times, but by golly he sure made me laugh a lot (and I loved that he laughed at my attempts at humor)and he had a quick wit. I had to think at times about what he'd said before I got it. I'm so glad we went out to dinner with you two when we did. I have nothing but fond memories of our time together AND he did the impossible. I own and enjoy a 22 rifle because of him. Every time that comes out, more memories of him do too. Love you all, Nick and Cheryl

Brad and Linda Wheeler Thursday October 13, 2011 at 9:08 PM
Ted: Although you have left us physically your spirit will live in us eternally. You were more to use than just a brother-in-law, you were our friend. Your willingness to help anyone will forever leave a lasting impression on many. You need not worry about Pat, Nick or Becky, you planted a wonderful foundation of what family is, something each one can cherish, we will guide and help them through the difficult times, be there rock when the need it, be a shoulder when they need to cry and be there to share in your memory. Your memory will live on in each of us, you will be missed dearly my friend, our brother. Until our roads meet again!

Cheryl Clancy (Brimmer) Wednesday October 12, 2011 at 12:21 AM
I never knew Teddy as a man only as a little boy--- a very sweet, wonderful little boy. Rest in the arms of God sweet Ted. Cousin Cheddy

Dan and. Paulime Friday October 7, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Patty and Family, Ted was a fun guy,very kind and caring. He was a wonderful brother-in-law. We willmisa you Ted. Thank you for all the good memories,they were numerous. We will miss your smile and the twinkle in your eyes. Rest in peace.

Carl & Barb Musshorn Monday October 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM
A cool guy that had a great sense of humor, a family man, and great friend, and you have a lot of them. We will miss you old buddy. Do not worry about Patty and the kids, we will do what ever we can to help them adjust. So rest in peace my friend and we will all be together soon at the big rock concert in the sky.

Dana and Everett Stewart Thursday September 29, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Patty and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. We couldn't believe it when we heard it. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Debbie (Brimmer) Boyd Wednesday September 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM
My heart grieves for your loss but rejoice in knowing he's now in the arms of our sweet Jesus! I have many fond memories of our family gatherings, and will forever regret the time we've allowed to pass without keeping in touch. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all as you walk thru this difficult season.

Brock & Kelly Trierweiler Wednesday September 28, 2011 at 2:37 PM
Patty, We are so sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jan Wheelock Wednesday September 28, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Patty, I am so very sorry to hear this news and regret that I was able to attend visitation. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanne (Takens) Prebble Tuesday September 27, 2011 at 9:24 PM
What a wonderful guy. My condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry it is too late to "catch up". Glad to hear someday we will meet again.

Jeanne (Takens) Prebble Tuesday September 27, 2011 at 9:19 PM
What a wonderful guy. My condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry it is too late to "catch up".

Elaine Feldmann Monday September 26, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Pat, Remembering the fun times we shared with you and Ted at Barb and Dennis's house.I send you the support of my prayers as you walk in grief and sadness.

Morf Monday September 26, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Dang it, Ted...Haven't had a chance to talk with you in ages and now lookit. I'm bumming, buddy. I'll really miss your huge smile and the sense of humor and the private jokes we used to share when we were even more immature than we are now. May you be at peace and you KNOW I will see you again.

Lorie Hollenbeck and Family Monday September 26, 2011 at 9:03 PM
Patty and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Sheila and Craig Crawford Monday September 26, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Patty and family, we were so shocked to here of Teds passing. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

Kim Wilson Monday September 26, 2011 at 10:19 AM
I am so saddened by the loss of Ted. What a great guy and wonderful family you have. My heart goes out to all of you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you.

Ron Betser Sunday September 25, 2011 at 8:22 PM
I'll never be able to go shooting, see a tractor or be out ice fishing again without thinking about the fun times you Nick and I had. You could always make me laugh and I'll never forget the great times we had. Patty, Nick and Becky our thoughts are with you.

Candy (Deal) Outman Sunday September 25, 2011 at 7:38 PM
Dear Patty and Family, So sorry to hear about Ted's passing. He was a great friend in school and I will never forget his smile. This comes to a shock to many of us that went to school with Ted. My prayers go out to you and your families....

Janet (Jones) Medler Sunday September 25, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Dear Patty and family, Sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Looking at his picture in the paper puts me right back to high school. He had a wonderful smile and he was very kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know it has been years since we've seen each other, I was your neighbor at Cowden Lake many moons ago. Sincerely, Janet Medler

Jim & Bonnie Dakin Sunday September 25, 2011 at 5:55 PM
Patty, Nick & Becky - so sorry to hear of your great loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts & prayers.

Kris and Tony Bilello Sunday September 25, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Dear Patty and family, Our deepest sympathy. Ted was a wonderful person who would do anything for anyone. A great sense of humor and always a smile&He will be missed by many, Prayers of healing sent your way&.

Ray and Carol Magoon Sunday September 25, 2011 at 3:15 PM
Sending Pattie and the family our Condolences. You've been an enjoyable couple in our church, Always seem to have bright smiles. We are keeping you in our prayers. Ray and Carol Magoon.

Thomas & Sandra Collins Sunday September 25, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The news came as quite a shock. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Sincerely, Tom & Sandy Collins 1225 SW 35th Street Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239)910-3983

Fred & Nancy Gradisher Sunday September 25, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Dear Patty and Family, We just want to express our deepest sympathy at this time. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Sig and Sandi Biezais Sunday September 25, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Pat and family, we are so extremely sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you. Memories of Ted go back to our youth. Love to you, Sig and Sandi

Patty Pixley Saturday September 24, 2011 at 7:56 PM
Dear Patty and Kids, I was shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Ted. I know how you are feeling at this time, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go thru this very difficult time. I am glad that I knew Ted, if laugh, his humor his friendship with Mark. When I found out that he had passed, I thought oh boy heaven better watch out, with those two together, it will never be the same. Hugs and comfort to all of you. Sincerely, Patty Pixley

Bev Reed Louden Saturday September 24, 2011 at 6:47 PM
Wow....As I sit here looking at Teds Picture I'm thinking he doesnt look any different! I graduated with Ted and am so proud to have called him my friend! Great smile, great personality,and a great big heart! My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Terra, Jon, Laney, & Ellery Bieneman Saturday September 24, 2011 at 4:33 PM
We just wanted to express our deepest sympathy to your family at this very difficult time. We always enjoyed being around Ted and thought he was such a great guy who could make us laugh with his funny sense of humor! We are thinking and praying for your family.

Ed & Jan Moffatt Saturday September 24, 2011 at 4:03 PM
Nick & family, So sorry for the passing of your dad. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Connie & Howard Peterson Saturday September 24, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Patty, Nick & Becky Though there is so little we can do or say, may it help to know that we along with many others care.

tune and jr sine Saturday September 24, 2011 at 1:52 PM
our hearts are breaking for you and yours. so sorry we didnt get to no him as an adult. take solace knowing he is with God now.

Ernest Lange Saturday September 24, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Whenever a person passes on, people search for kind words to say about them. With Ted Barber there is no search. He was truely one on the kindest most caring people i have ever met, and a true model for all of us on how to treat other people. I remember the last time i seen him. He had just finished doing some gas line work for me and handed me a bill for the materials he used. "Now just give me the money for what the bill says, he said." " If you try to give me any more your just gonna piss me off." Thats just the way he was, always willing to lend a hand and never expect 1 thing in return. Today the lord accepted a great man, father, husband,and friend into his kingdom. I can promise you God, you will never have anymore heating issues in Heaven with Theodore D. Barber at your side!

Linda Boultinghouse Saturday September 24, 2011 at 9:02 AM
Dear Barber family, Thinking of you. Brett and Ted had a wonderful time this week at the gun club. Ted will be missed! Take care of each other.

Mary Tompkins Saturday September 24, 2011 at 8:13 AM
Patty, My sincere condolences to you and your children. The amount of stories you shared that have "Ted and I" are endless. They still will be, but in a different context. Continue to embrace your family, continue to enjoy life with the essence of Ted right next to.

Becky Taylor Friday September 23, 2011 at 11:54 PM
I know that I didn't say it enough, but I love you so much Dad! Don't worry, we'll take care of mom for you. I know that you're up there somewhere with Gabe. Make sure he doesn't eat your chocolate. I miss you already!

Kathy Maguire Friday September 23, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Patty, Your family at Baldwin Heights Elementary school sends their deepest sympathy and love to you. We care about you.

Heather Lange Friday September 23, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Uncle Ted, This is so unfair, I should not be sitting here writing this letter, I should be picking up the phone and calling because something is broken...You are the greatest and I am sorry if I never told you that. I always knew I could pick up the phone if I needed help and without question you would be here. I will miss your laughter the most. No matter what was going on you could always make anyone laugh. Whenever Ernie and I would drive past a tractor on the side of the road we would look at each other and say Ol' Ted and laugh, what else can I say but..Meet again "Ol Buddy" I Love you and through Nick I will still hear your laughter, through Becky I will still feel laid back ways and through Aunt Patty we will always have you!

Dennis Menke Friday September 23, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Ted, Just got done watching Fargo, we had some great times, Buckley will never be the same!I will see you again someday and we will put some real miles on those Quads! Patty, Nick and Becky my thoughts are with you. Dennis

Phil Vincent Friday September 23, 2011 at 8:57 PM
Uncle Ted, As a young child you and Pat would watch me at your house, sometimes over night. I have a lot of great memories of us staying up late playing checkers and eating pringles. You also burned this saying in my head that goes like this, Uh eah uh ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang.Its kind of crazzy but every time I here it or say it I think of you!!

Dave Foster Friday September 23, 2011 at 8:10 PM
Your smile and sense of humor will be sorely missed at the club. My prayers and sympathy go out to your family.

Sherry Hacker Friday September 23, 2011 at 7:53 PM
A tribute to Ted Barber: Hey, Good Buddy! I enjoyed working w/ U in my Gas Distr yrs. U were always polite & courteous. U spoke w/ purpose. U worked hard. I loved 2 C & hear U laugh! Thank U 4 your support & encouragement. Thanx 4 coaching me & keeping me safe...What a Man... Miss U, Good Buddy! Peace B w/U & your family. sherry

Ron Pye Friday September 23, 2011 at 7:42 PM
A sad farewell to a friend of many years, that went too fast. Our sincere sympathy to Ted's family. Your friend always, Ron Pye and family

Dennis and Barb Petersen Friday September 23, 2011 at 7:40 PM
Hey Ted,we are going to miss our "all you can eat!" Friday night fish fry, and our scenic tours on the way home. Pat finally got you to get tickets for a concert and ole' Lynyrd Skynyrd had to go and cancel on us! Nick, your Dad was your gun and tractor expert and you will miss that. Becky, you were his little princess and he could never say no to you! Pat, we all will keep you going, but I can't imagine what you are going through....Love you.

Uncle Jerry & Aunt Joyce Friday September 23, 2011 at 7:32 PM
Patty & Family Sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We all will miss Ted's bright smile.

Uncle Jerry & Aunt Joyce Friday September 23, 2011 at 7:26 PM


Chuck Rahall Friday September 23, 2011 at 6:57 PM
My sincere condolences to the Barber Family. I work out of the Lansing Service Center and had the pleasure of working with Ted on several occassions. I always enjoyed being on a job with him because he was an excellent worker as well as someone I truly liked talking to. Even though we worked out of different headquarters we would call each other every so often just to catchup on the latest happenings. I'm sure your family is experiencing a great loss with Ted's passing, and to a lesser degree we share this loss. Take comfort in knowing that Ted was respected and truly liked by anyone who was lucky enough to have worked him. He shall be missed by all. May his memory be eternal.

Matt and Cindy Christensen Friday September 23, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Nancy, Dave and family: So sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Friday September 23, 2011 at 3:47 PM
Patty, Nick and Becky, we were so sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of you at this time and holding your family in our prayers. Take care. Doug and Norma Sower

Don and Kathy Durham Friday September 23, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Our prayers go out to Ted's family. I remember Ted and his great sense of humor from our school days in Greenville. He will be missed!

John Roberts Friday September 23, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Ted was a great guy to work with and always had a smile on his face. He helped us with many projects throughout the mid-state area and could be counted on to do a good job here at Consumers Energy. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Elijah Trumble Friday September 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. I send my heartfelt condolences to Patty, Nick and Becky. I wish I could make the funeral service.

Rhonda (Swanson) Sullivan Friday September 23, 2011 at 1:11 PM
Patty, I'm so sorry to hear about Ted. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Becky and Nick during this difficult time. May God comfort you and your family today and always. Rhonda

Dawn Derenski Friday September 23, 2011 at 12:27 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with the Barber Family. Ted was a great man who did a lot for the Flat River Conservation Club. I never seen Ted at the club where he wasn't sharing a smile with me or my family. He truly enjoyed his passion for shooting and was always eager to share it with everyone at the club. I will so miss his warm and inviting smile but Ted will always be a special part of the FRCC. Ted - Godspeed dear friend - you will forever be missed and always appreciated for what you did for all of us at the club. May my family and I meet with you again someday on the range.....Our condolences to all who knew and loved Ted. Sincerely, Your Shooting Brothers and Sister: Scott, Dawn & Hunter Derenski

Bill and Barb House Friday September 23, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Patty and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We can only hope that all the thought and prayers coming your way can help you through this difficult time. Great smile, great guy, he will be missed by all. Love and comfort to your family, Bill and Barb

Nancy Cogswell Brugger Friday September 23, 2011 at 11:24 AM
So sorry for your loss. I remember Ted and his great sense of humor. Ted was a wonderful person and a great friend. Peace be with you.

Leon Langridge Friday September 23, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Ted was a knowledgeable, experienced and talented addition to our Consumers Energy workforce. Even though he worked out of Greenville, he helped us numerous times on the larger projects in Lansing. Ted will be greatly missed. My condolences to Ted's family.

The Frederiksen - Karl, Sue, Erik, Kacie and families Friday September 23, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Our sincere condolences....The Frederiksen family.

Geald and Mary Ellen Tovatt Friday September 23, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Patty and family: We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We remember Ted from all those "children events" for so many years.

barb nelson harless Friday September 23, 2011 at 8:40 AM
i am so sorry to hear of teds passing i went to school with ted he was a wonderful guy i will keep his family in my thoughts an prayers good bye ted you will me missed

Jerry and Shelly Reynolds Friday September 23, 2011 at 8:28 AM
Ted, we will miss you, your smile and your laugh! Thank you for your friendship over the years. We enjoyed many great times with you, Patty, Nick and Becky. We know you loved your family very much. May you rest in peace.

Julie A. Roach Thursday September 22, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Aunt Pat, Nick, and Becky; I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this time.

Carrie (Stine) and David Wygmans Thursday September 22, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Pat, I am so sorry! Ted was a wonderful person and I will always remember him with the great smile that you captured in the photo in the paper. You are in our prayers, Carrie & David

Flat River Family Dentistry Thursday September 22, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Don & Bea, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Good memories will keep him close to your heart. Dr. Mahar, Dr. Kinser, Amy, Mellissa, Cheri and Amy K.

Jenny Diehl Thursday September 22, 2011 at 8:48 PM
Patty, I am so sorry to hear about Ted. Thinking of you and your family. Jenny

Theresa (Saur) Brace Thursday September 22, 2011 at 8:22 PM
Many good memories of Ted in my early years. Always the laughter. Ted sure had a marvelous attitude and lived life to the fullest. Blessings to his family

Bruce and Kelly Hopkins Thursday September 22, 2011 at 7:48 PM
Ted, You was a great class mate in school and a good friend in life, you will missed, our prays will be with your family.

Mike & Mary Ane Krum Thursday September 22, 2011 at 7:41 PM
Patty & family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. God be with you at this time.

Butch Wulff Thursday September 22, 2011 at 6:39 PM
Turbo Ted, You were a great co-worker and a greater friend.You will be sadly missed by all. Keep putting all your shots in the ten ring!

Gary Smith Thursday September 22, 2011 at 6:12 PM
We became great friends in Gym class when Frank made us paint the dugouts together. So many great memories of us having fun. Will always cherish our love for the some kind of music. Whenever I hear a song by America I think of you. I pray for Gods comfort for your family. See you again someday.

Bill and Terri Hodgson Thursday September 22, 2011 at 5:24 PM
Ted, You and that smile will be so dearly missed. Our condolences to Pat and the kids.

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