Robert Barber

Born on December 30, 1938, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Bob grew up with a deep love for learning and faith that would shape his entire life. He pursued higher education at Ohio University in Athens, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. His passion for teaching led him to further his studies at Eastern Kentucky University, where he received his Master’s Degree in Education.

Bob began his distinguished teaching career in 1962 at Marion Harding High School in Marion, Ohio. It was there that he met the love of his life, V. Catherine (Kay) Barber. Together they spent 60 years building a life centered around family, education, and faith. After a few years in Springfield, Ohio—where Bob served as principal at Northridge Elementary—the couple eventually settled in Lancaster. There, Bob continued to inspire young minds at Ewing, Sherman, and Stanberry schools within the Lancaster school system.

Throughout his career and beyond, Bob remained a teacher at heart. Even on the day he entered hospice care, he was enthusiastically sharing stories about Thomas Jefferson with the nurses attending him—a testament to his lifelong dedication to education.

Bob’s love of history and travel was woven into every family vacation with each trip becoming an opportunity for impromptu lessons in history and geography. His curiosity about the world extended into his home as well; he and Kay welcomed numerous exchange students over the years from around the globe: Antje from Germany; AnnKristin from Norway; Hanna from Finland; Genevieve from Belgium; Astrid from Mexico; Rodolfo from Argentina; Chiaki from Japan; and Roberto from Costa Rica. Each student became part of their extended family and enriched their lives immeasurably.

Faith was the cornerstone of Bob’s life. As one of the first boys in Chillicothe to earn the God & Country Award through Boy Scouts, he demonstrated an early commitment to living out his beliefs. Raised in the Presbyterian Church, Bob often shared his favorite saying with those around him: "God wins in the end!" His unwavering faith provided strength and comfort throughout his life’s journey.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife V. Catherine (Kay) Barber; daughters Julia L. Wilner (Jeffrey) and Rebecca A. Croucher (Statz); and grandsons Nathaniel T. Croucher and S. Jacob Croucher as well as adopted daughter Deborah Durant (John), adopted grandkids, Elizabeth, Jacob, Dominic, Timothy & George & great grandkids Avalene & James. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold M. Barber and Margaret M. Barber as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at a later date.

Bob's legacy lives on through all those he taught, mentored, loved, and inspired throughout his remarkable life. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and may we find peace in remembering that indeed—God wins in the end!