Robert Baylis Barber

Robert Baylis Barber, 68, of Springfield, died at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Mr. Barber was born on November 18, 1939 in Springfield, the son of John W. and Margaret "Marmie" Barber. Mr. Barber attended Bradley University, majoring in Business Administration. He joined the IBM Corporation upon graduation, retiring after 30 years. He enlisted and served in the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Tactical Fighter Group. He was a partner in RoBar Properties, a real estate brokerage and rental property business, and he was a co-founder and officer of Kwik One Oil and Lube. He maintained a business partnership with Ray Robertson for over 35 years. Mr. Barber was a two-term president of the Visiting Nurses Association of Illinois, board member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, a member of the corporate board of Memorial Health Systems, and past president of the Fancy Creek Cemetery Association. He was a life member of Sigma Chi fraternity, a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, the Sangamo Club and Island Bay Yacht Club. He enjoyed sailing, tennis and golf. He particularly enjoyed fine dining, serving as president of the local chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs, a wine and food society, and his membership to the Ordre Mondial Wine Society. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Booth Barber; a son, Robert B. (wife, Marnie) Barber of Jacksonville; a daughter, Ann E. (husband, Mark) Colgrove of Ashland, MO; a grandson, Andrew Barber; a granddaughter, Erin Barber; and a brother, Jack (wife, Judy) Barber of Glenarm. He was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed many travels with them. Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, with the Rev. David J. Hoefler celebrant. Burial will follow at Fancy Creek Cemetery near Williamsville. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's School, 1800 S. Grand Ave., E., Springfield, IL 62703 or Hospice Care of Illinois (VNA), 720 Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702-9914.