John Andrew Barber

John Andrew Barber, 79, of Springfield, boarded his departure flight at 10:11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at his residence. John was born August 20, 1938 in Springfield, the son of Charles F. Barber and Helen Long. He married Irene Sochon on October 7, 1972 in Springfield; they recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary with friends and family. John attended Springfield High School and graduated from Mexico Missouri Military Academy in 1957. He recently celebrated his 60th class reunion with Springfield High School. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Lincoln College. John was employed as a realtor for more than 50 years. He was a member of the American Business Club, Downtown Rotary for more than 20 years, Sangamo Club for 30 years, Ansar Shriners, and was a member of Island Bay Yacht Club since 1965. He was also a commercial pilot, earning his pilots license at the age of 15, even before getting his drivers license. He built his own Glass Air RG plane that won an award at the Oshkosh Air Show. He was an avid swimmer and set the state record in the Freestyle while at Mexico Missouri Military Academy, which still stands to this day. John enjoyed flying, cars, boats, sailing, motorcycling, traveling, but most importantly, enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved watching his grandson, Jackson at sporting events and teaching his granddaughter, Bailey, life lessons. John was quite the storyteller in which he knew no boundaries. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Harold Prehn; and father-in-law, Joseph Sochon. He is survived by his wife, Irene of Springfield; daughter, Brittany (husband, Michael) Workman of Sherman and their children, Bailey and Jackson Workman; son, Brad Barber of Springfield and his daughter, Lauren Barber; mother-in-law, Valerie Sochon of Dawson; sister-in-law, Jennie Sochon (husband, Carl Wolf) of Chicago; and special friends who were like family, Ed and Virginia Herren of Mission Viejo, CA. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following visitation. Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Fancy Creek in Williamsville. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703 or WILD (Women in Love with Dogs), 3309 Robbins Rd., Suite 109, Springfield, IL 62704.