Malcolm George Barber, known affectionately as Mal, Dad, Grandpa, Mel, Uncle Mac, and Uncle Mel, passed away surrounded by love and family at Charlotte Stephenson Manor in Adrian, MI, on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to George and Elsie Barber on November 1, 1932, Malcolm lived a full and meaningful life marked by service, craftsmanship, laughter, and deep devotion to his family.
Malcolm graduated from Mackenzie High School in 1951. Prior to graduation, he began playing amateur baseball with his lifelong friends Al, Larry, and Warren (Pete) in the Detroit Amateur Baseball Federation. In 1951, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy until 1955, serving as a parachute rigger and serving a tour aboard the USS Saipan (CVL-48). Upon returning to Detroit, he walked into a Michigan Bell office looking for work—and was hired on the spot. He remained a dedicated employee through decades of change, retiring from AT&T in 1988. His retirement didn’t last long: from 1990 to 1994, he brought his skills to Washtenaw Community College, in Ypsilanti Michigan, maintaining their phone systems with care and pride.
In 1956, Malcolm married the love of his life, Sonia Marie (Fargo), and together they shared an incredible 69 years of marriage. They raised their family in Westland, Michigan, where Mal passed along his love for camping, fishing, boating, the Detroit Tigers, bowling, golf, and summer vacations filled with laughter and memories.
Malcolm was a master builder and restorer. Whether it was crafting a Sunfish sailboat, restoring a classic wooden speedboat, or bringing back to life a 1911 Old Town canoe he found in a dumpster, he poured care and precision into every project. He corresponded with the Old Town Company to ensure historical accuracy in his rebuild, a testament to his dedication.
He was also an avid model airplane builder and flyer, spending countless hours with the Signal Seekers Model Airplane Club. Always curious and creative, Malcolm even learned to paint through a mail-in acrylic art course—long before online learning existed. His artistic talent became yet another gift he shared with his family.
In 1994, Mal and Marie retired to Drummond Island, where they spent 27 peaceful years. Mal embraced island life with his usual joy—fishing, boating, and golfing. He proudly caught a record-setting Pike in Fairview Cove and achieved a lifelong goal: a hole-in-one at the Drummond Island Golf Course. Whether in a rowboat he rebuilt or an aluminum fishing boat, Mal was never happier than when he was out on the water.
Malcolm is survived by his beloved wife Sonia; his sister Barbara Krauss; his children Janice Barber, Karen (Dan) VanDongen, Jim (Christina) Barber, and Cathy (Jim) Gulau; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and quiet wisdom. Malcolm’s life was one of devotion—to his country, his work, his passions, and above all, his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Malcolm’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Charlotte Stephenson Manor and to Careline Hospice. Words cannot express our appreciation for the care and compassion given to Malcolm.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 20, with the memorial at 2:00 followed by a luncheon at 2:30-5:00 at Aubrey’s Restaurant, 1329 S. Main St., Adrian, Mi 49221.
Online condolences to the family may be offered at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations in Malcolm’s memory may be given to the family for future consideration. The Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian is assisting the family with arrangements.