Paul Barber clocked out of this world peacefully on January 6, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by a loving crowd of family and clergy.
Born April 25, 1942, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to James Merton and Margret (Sayer) Barber, both stalwart employees of the Kellogg Company who plagiarized the “family waffle recipe” from a box of All-Bran cereal.
On July 29, 1966, Paul married the love of his life, Mary Sauter of Adrian. For 58 years, they built a life together, with plenty of laughter and perhaps just an hour or two of marital “negotiation.”
Paul leaves behind Mary, his tireless copilot; his daughter Alicia Barber, her partner Larry, and her children Kathryn Bays-Boring, her wife Brittany, and Ethan Boring; his son Jay Barber, his wife Kay, and their children Grace Barber and Owen Barber; his daughter Sarah Rokos, her husband Bradley, and their children Oliver Rokos and Sophie Rokos. Also missing him dearly are his sister Betty McConnell; his brother Rick Barber, his wife Ila; and in-laws Tim and Linda Sauter, Joe Sauter, and David Steel. Those that have gone on ahead to save him a seat at the eternal breakfast table (Paul made the best buttermilk pancakes) are Paul’s parents, James and Margret, along with Mary’s parents, Cecil and Ruth Sauter, and sisters-in-law Cecilia Steel, Sheila Sauter, and Sally Sauter.
A proud veteran of the Air National Guard, Paul could make a diesel generator hum like a symphony. He put those talents to work with his father-in-law at Industrial Electric before founding his own electrical contracting company, Service Electric; both affiliated with IBEW Local 8. Over three decades, he became a respected member of the National Electrical Contractors Association, Ohio/Michigan chapter, serving as President for four years.
Paul had a love of Corvettes, owning several throughout his life (ask Mary about losing a wheel while driving one). In later years, his preferred ride became a Segway, which he piloted around Adrian with his signature mix of determination and charm. True to his practical nature, Paul opted for cremation. When spring weather warms up a bit, his ashes will join those of several family members in the Memorial Garden at First United Methodist Church of Adrian.
To celebrate his life, a visitation will be held from 5–7 pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian, Michigan, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life service. Bring your stories and your smiles. Contributions in Paul’s memory may be offered to Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian, MI 49221, or the First United Methodist Church, 1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian, MI 49221.