Russell A. Barber

January 1, 1926 - July 6, 2020

NEW PALESTINE – Long-time New Palestine resident Russell Avon Barber passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020 at the age of 94 after a full life of service to the country and to his community. He served as a sharpshooter in the Army in World War II on both the European front and in Japan. He often expressed amazement that he managed to survive to age 94 and proudly wore his WWII veteran’s cap in public. After the war, he moved from Tennessee to Indiana where he was employed at International Harvester for 37 years. He devoted himself to family and creating a beautiful outdoor oasis enjoyed by two generations. Mr. Barber was married to the love of his life, Loyce Alderson Barber, for 63 years. She died in 2011. His greatest passion was baseball. He coached Little League in New Palestine for many years and is still remembered fondly by some of his players. Mr. Barber is survived by a brother, Maxie Barber, and five children, Kathy Barber Hersh of Deland, Florida, Jennifer Welt of Greenfield, twins Joseph Barber of Greenfield and Jane Andrick of Deland, Florida, and Jonathan Barber of Los Angeles. His grandchildren, Chad Welt, Kody Hersh, David Hersh, Andrea Barber, John Riley Andrick, and Tom Andrick – were all tutored in baseball and driving a John Deere tractor lawnmower. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Washington Park East Cemetery in Indianapolis. Military honors will be presented by the Indy Metropolitan Military Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.