Lonnie Dean Barber, 73, of Montgomery

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Lonnie Dean Barber, 73, of Montgomery, IN went to his Heavenly Home surrounded by family at his home on August 3, 2016. 

He was born on September 30, 1942 in Washington, IN to John W. and Vonlue (Himsel) Barber. In 1960 he graduated from Washington High School and joined the U.S. Army in May 1961. On August 11, 1963 Lonnie married the love of his life, Judy (Wade) Barber. He was a member of Bethany Christian Church. Lonnie was a member of Southwest Indiana Walk to Emmaus and was a Harrison Township Volunteer Firefighter.

“And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker”, so God made a farmer.” Lonnie was blessed with the rare opportunity to do what he loved. Everyone that knew Lonnie knew how much he loved his job, actually it was much more than a job. It was his life! Lonnie believed, “If we take care of the land, God will take care of us.” Lonnie was a life long John Deere man through and through.

He always said, “I bleed green.” He also loved playing basketball and was a loyal Indiana University fan. Lonnie loved to hunt quail, pheasant, and mushrooms. He also enjoyed his small bible group that met in his home. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, Judy (Wade) Barber; children Robin Blackburn (Jerrel), Jill Williams (Ted), John Barber (Anne), and Melissa Clark (Doug); grandchildren Madalyn Blackburn, Gavin Blackburn, Kaitlin Williams, Kendall Williams, Ali Barber, Kenli Barber, Austin Clark, and Luke Clark; and brothers Wilbur Barber and Andy Barber. He is preceded by his parents John W. Vonlue (Himsel) Barber, grandparents Fred Barber, Mae (Bradfield) Barber, Andy Himsel, and Dessie (Webber) Himsel; brother Hal Barber, and sister Sue Ann Armes.

A Celebration of Life service for Lonnie will take place Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 10:00am at Bethany Christian Church with Pastor Russ Jordan, Pastor Matt Merold, Pastor Tom Watson, and Pastor Don Smoot officiating. Interment will follow the service at Bethany Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the local VFW and American Legion Post. Friends may call from 2-8pm on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the church and prior to the service from 9-10am. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Christian Church or to Gentiva Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gillsince1872.com

2nd Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.