Ivan "Tug" Barber

Ivan ìTugî Leon Barber was born December 25, 1924 in Welty, Oklahoma to Ray and Odessa (Crook) Barber. The family moved to Okemah, Oklhaoma where he received his education; where he graduated in 1942. Shortly after the completion of his education Tug was united in marriage to Mary Davidson at Okemah, Oklahoma on February 26, 1944. Tug joined the United States Air Corps on July 17, 1943. He served in the Rome-Arno and the Northern Apennines Battles. While serving his country Tug received the following decorations: The American Theater EAME Theater Ribbon with two Stars as well as the Victory Medal. Upon his return to the United States he returned to Okemah where he worked for a plumbing contractor.

Tug later accepted employment with Texaco in 1952 and was later transferred to Seminole and then in 1964 to Hominy, Oklahoma. Tug and Mary made their home in Hominy until 1972 when they moved to their present home in Cleveland. Tug retired from Texaco in 1986 after 34 years. He was a member of First Christian Church in Hominy as well as a former member of the Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Barber passed away July 1, 2004 at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 79 years 6 months and 6 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Lynn and Leroy, brother in law Bill Davidson and sister in law Geraldine Williford and Alpha Barber as well as his mother and father in law W.O. and Mary Davidson.

Survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary of the home; two daughters, Mary Kay Murnan of Cleveland, Oklahoma and Paula Mitts of Hominy, Oklahoma; two sisters, Freda Middleton and family; Norma and her husband Ed Beasley and family; three grandchildren, Brian Lee Marcum, Brent Douglas Adams and his wife Amanda, Kinsey Mitts, two great grandchildren Jake Adams and Luke Adams, niece Vicki Barber and a sister in law May Barber and family as well as many other relatives and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Gains, Art Shoemaker, John Swain, Mitch Sharpnack, Hiber Tate and Robbie Burnett.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at 10:00 am in the Chapman-Black Chapel with services officiated by Rev. Ed Beasley. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta, Oklahoma at 1:00 pm under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Ivan Barber at www.chapman-black.com.