John ‘Jack’ Barber
Jack, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, humor, and service.
Jack was born on April 14, 1937, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. He grew up with his parents and brother in Pittsfield, Illinois. His parents were Frances and Charles Austin Barber II and his brother is Chuck (Charles Austin Barber III). He grew up with a strong work ethic and a love of learning that would stay with him throughout his life. After graduating from Westminster College in 1959, Jack joined the Illinois National Guard. In 1960, he began his professional career with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. Determined to further his education and professional credentials, he attended the University of Illinois beginning in the fall of 1960, where he pursued advanced accounting studies and prepared for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. He married Mary Barber in 1966. In 1972, Jack and family made a move to Connecticut where he began working at the Travelers Insurance Companies. In 1983 he made a move back to St Louis to work for General American, where he eventually retired in 2000.
Jack was blessed to share his life with two wonderful women. His first wife, Mary, the mother of his children, passed away in 2019. Later in life, he found love again with Henrietta, who passed away in 2025. Both relationships brought him great happiness, companionship, and treasured memories.
Family was at the center of Jack’s life. He is survived by his children; John Barber (Jennifer McGough), Ruth Barber, Mary Barber, Rebecca Barber (James Betzold) and stepson John Kaiser; (Yvonne), his six beloved grandchildren; Samuel, Maxwell, Josephine, Jenavieve, Jasper, and Jillienne; and his brother, Charles Austin ‘Chuck’ Barber III, (Carolyn), and niece, Bryn (Terry Fine).
Jack will be remembered not only for his devotion to his family but also for the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of Rotary. He loved to travel, spend time on the golf course, cheer for the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, fire up the grill for family gatherings, and entertain everyone with his trademark “Dad jokes.” His sense of humor, warm smile, and ability to make people laugh will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a founding member and President of the Barber Family Foundation, which will carry on providing scholarships to youth in his hometown of Pittsfield, Illinois.
Those who knew Jack knew a man of integrity, perseverance, and kindness. He believed in hard work, valued family above all else, and took pride in building meaningful relationships throughout his life.
Jack’s legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Services: Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7 at Meramec Bluffs Chapel 1, Meramec Bluffs Drive, Ballwin Missouri 63021 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Illinois.
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