Rev. Dr. Robert Leroy Barber

Rev. Dr. Robert Leroy Barber, Jr, or “just Bob” to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him, age 61, went to be with his Savior June 4, 2019 after a valiant fight with lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and, ultimately, a systemic infection.

Bob is survived by his wife Melody, “the veritable tune of his heart” as he would commonly introduce her, his daughter Hannah (Moritz), son-in-law Jared, and grandson Oliver, as well as his sister Linda Merry.

Bob spent the majority of his adult life as the pastor of Huntsburg Congregational Church, and even though he eventually moved down the road into Claridon Township, he affectionately always referred to himself as a “Huntsburger.” Through this seemingly small platform, he was able to uplift so many in the community. Bob was rarely able to run an errand without at least one person recognizing him; and, no matter how busy his schedule, he would make time for them -hear their joys, share in their heartaches, and offer love, support, and prayer.

Huntsburg Congregational Church was the foundation of his earthy mission, and for that reason, the Funeral Service will be held Monday, June 10 at 10:00 am at Huntsburg Congregational Church with calling hours from 2:00-6:00 pm the afternoon before (Sunday, June 9) at Sly Family Funeral Home in Middlefield. Bob will then be laid to rest across the street at Huntsburg Cemetery after the Monday service.

Not only was Bob a pillar of his community as a pastor, he was also very active in many people’s lives through his different hobbies. After deciding his daughter Hannah needed to experience the responsibility that comes with raising animals, he bought her two pygmy goats and immersed his family in The Great Geauga County Fair. This lead into more animals -ducks, chickens, and many more goats, his growing the Pygmy Connection 4-H club, leading as a Jr. Fair coordinator, and later, becoming deeply involved in the National Pygmy Goat Association traveling the nation as a pygmy goat judge. More recently, Bob bought and trained his Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, River. Together, they had many local adventures at Weslaco Sportsman Club, and he even tried to enter his dog in national trials. No matter what Bob did, he never did it small.

Even as he dedicated so much of himself to his parishioners and community, Bob gave his all for his family. Bob and Melody shared a love made possible through their many differences but made perfect through the faithfulness and forgiveness they shared in Christ. After many years together, and countless trials navigating the adoption system, their family was made complete when their daughter, Hannah, entered their family at two months old. Bob’s tenacity at loving his wife and daughter never stopped after they became a family. He showered them with praise at their achievements, brought home gifts to show his care, and pointed them closer to Christ with every conversation. As his family grew when he became a father-in-law, and then later a grandpa, his heart’s desire was to be an example of a godly man to them. Through his constant intentionality, Bob’s compassion, generosity, and his mantra of “dream big” will live on for generations.

As his family mourns, they are still ever hopeful knowing that Bob has heard the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” from the mouth of our Lord as he danced into eternal peace. This is not the end, only a new beginning.

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