Donald L. Barber

Donald L. Barber, 75, of Route 11, Homer, died on May 26, 2018 from injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

A lifelong area resident, Don was born October 16, 1942, the only child of the late Everett H. and Shirley Humphrey Barber. He was a graduate of Homer High School and a 1962 graduate of Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science.

He was a well-known musician and recording artist in the area for almost 60 years, touring and recording with Don Barber and the Dukes.

He enjoyed fishing and particularly hunting, spending many nights “up on the hill” during hunting season, playing cards and catching up with the guys.

Don loved horses, he raised and bred miniature horses for many years on his farm in Homer. He was an award-winning photographer, producing post cards and calendars for many churches and civic organizations.

Always active in civic affairs, he was a life-member of Homer Lodge 2506 BPOE, a longtime member of the Homer Lions Club, where he served as Sight Chairman for several years. He joined the Homer Fire Department in 1969, serving as Captain of Hose Co. #3 from 1976 -1977 and department President from 1979-1981.

Don a faithful communicant of St. Margaret’s Church, serving on the Parish Council, usher, Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Men’s Group.

In 1968, Don opened the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, and with the help of his family and close friends grew the business into the most respected funeral home in the area. This year the funeral home celebrates 50 years of service to the Homer and surrounding communities.

Surviving is his wife, Nancy L. Bullard Barber; three children, Donald L. (Sheri) Barber, II of Homer; Wendi-Jill (James) Brandow of Albany and Matthew H. Barber of Buffalo. He was Poppy to Jade Victoria Barber, Luke Everett and Olivia Layne Brandow.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018 at St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, 14 Copeland Ave. Homer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul Alciati.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 US Route 11, Homer.

In lieu of flowers, Don’s family requests memorial contributions in his name be directed to St. Margaret’s Church. 14 Copeland Ave., Homer, NY 13077 or the Homer Fire Dept., PO Box 58, Homer, NY 13077.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald L. Barber, please visit our floral store.