Larry 'Bunk' Barber

Larry “Bunk” Barber, 77, died on July 3, 2010. He passed away on a beautiful Saturday morning surrounded by his entire family. He was the husband of Doris Barber, with whom he celebrated 55 years of marriage. In addition to Doris, Larry leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Joseph Bender of Maryland, and son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Nancy Barber of Texas, his five grandchildren (Christin, Aaron, Emily, Kali and Lisa), his one great-grandchild (Caleb), his sister Florence Frostick of Charleston, West Virginia, and friends and relatives too numerous to mention. Larry Barber was born July 28, 1932 in Charleston, West Virginia. He was the son of Dr. Thomas Maxfield and Florence Barber. Larry’s father was a well-known physician, whose family helped start the hospital in Charleston, WV in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. He was preceded in death by his brothers Curtis and Thomas Barber. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1954. During his college career, he was the Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team. After graduating, he met his wife Doris Douglas, an undergraduate at WVU on a blind date whom he married in 1955. Larry Barber served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1957. During his Air Force career he was an Intelligence Officer and a fighter pilot. He completed his service flying KC-97 refueling tankers for the 308th Refueling Squadron out of Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia. After he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Larry went to work for ALCOA Pittsburg Traffic Department in 1957. Larry and Doris moved to Lebanon, PA, in 1966 when ALCOA opened the Lebanon Works. Larry retired from ALCOA in 1993 after over 35 years of service. Larry held at least eight positions including Head of the Planning Traffic Department and ended his career as ALCOA Public Relations Director. After his ALCOA retirement, Larry formed a consulting business with General Robert Harris called “The General and the Barber.” In addition, he was an avid tennis player and instructor, and he frequently traveled with Doris to resorts in Jamaica, for over 17 years to teach tennis. Many Lebanon County residents have improved tennis strokes and a brighter outlook on life due to the instruction and guidance of Larry. One of his students was the first Lebanon County player to win a District Three title in singles. To say that Larry was active in the Lebanon Community is an understatement. Among many things, Larry served as: a 40-year member of the Board for the Good Samaritan Hospital; the Fish Fry Coordinator for the Annual Street Fair; an American Cancer Society Board member and its tennis tournament coordinator. Larry was the longest current member of the United Way Board, having joined since May 1979. He was Campaign chairman in 1980 and 1981 and President in 1989 and served on many other committees along the way. He was the President and member of the Cedar Crest High School Citizen Advisory Board, and the first honorary graduate(1988) of Cedar Crest High School; a Lion’s Club Good Neighbor Award winner; a participant in the Lebanon Boy Scout district and local councils; and a past Lebanon Valley College Leadership Development Chairman. Larry’s legacy will continue because of his unselfish contributions to the community. On Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Cornwall United Methodist Church, Larry’s friends are invited to attend a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 am, and a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. An informal luncheon will immediately follow the service in the Church fellowship hall. A private burial will be held with the Family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Cornwall United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 687, Cornwall, PA, 17016) or the American Cancer Society (526 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA 17042). PDF Printable Version

Larry 'Bunk' Barber

July 28, 2010 - July 3, 2010