Leo J. Barber

Barber, Leo J., age 97, March 30, 2019 of Lincoln Park, Michigan. Beloved Husband of the late Helen. Loving father of Betty Jo (Mel) Cunningham, Cynthia Keeler, Neil Barber, Larry (Linda) Barber, Tonya (Butch) Robinson, the late Gail Barber and the late Leo "Scooter" Barber, II. Also survived by his grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Katherine, Kristen, Brenda, Ashley, Tyler, Emily, Brittany, Allison and Kelli; and his great grandchildren. Leo was born in Tupper Lake, New York to Ralph and Johanna Barber. They moved to River Rouge, Michigan and raised Leo along with his sisters, Mary, Jane and Catherine and a brother James. Leo met his wife Helen at the roller rink and they skated through life together for 68 years. They met before he got drafted in World War II where he served in the Army Air Corps. He worked as a mechanic on the Black Widow fighter planes. They married on Oct. 4, 1947 and raised a large family together. He owned his own truck and drove over the road hauling steel. Then he worked for G & J. He loved driving truck and had lots of great stories to tell about his life as a driver. They loved to go camping in their pop up. Usually up to the Straits. Helen walked the bridge every Labor Day. Leo did it once and decided that he would rather drive across and wait for the family on the other side. When he retired, they bought a trailer and lot at Lighthouse Village near Homer, Mi. They spent lots of happy years there making many lifelong friends. He loved woodworking, making all kinds of projects with his neighbor Bill. He loved cookouts with the neighbors. He was an avid hat collector. He really missed Helen so he would call up his friends and relatives for a chat to keep in touch. He always read the Free Press and ate his daily strudel or cinnamon roll. He had a sharp mind and memory. He was quite the story teller and loved to joke and tease. Even at 97, he remained socially active. He really looked forward to his Tues. lunches at the PLAV club in Wyandotte with his friends.Another favorite was going out to breakfast. He was a generous father and friend. He enjoyed his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to hold the new baby. He will be greatly missed. Contributions in memory of Leo may be made to the American Heart Association