Max Lynal Barber's Obituary
Max Lynal Barber, age 92, of Centerville passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Centerville Specialty Care, surrounded by his family.
Max was born on November 3, 1930 in Numa, Iowa, the son of Edgar and Esther (Burks) Barber. He married Marjorie Cornett in 1951, and to this union, three children were born, Mike, Terry and Dayna. The couple later divorced. He was united in marriage to Matilda Russell on July 28, 1990 in Rathbun, Iowa. To this union, Max gained two bonus children, Carol and Sonny.
Max entered the United States Marine Corps on November 30, 1951 in Corydon, Iowa. He took up boxing while in the service, and thoroughly enjoyed it. He served his country faithfully and was honorably discharged on August 28, 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California.
Max was a "Jack of all trades". He worked several jobs throughout his lifetime including at the M&M Cab Company, Sinclair Station, and Union Carbide. He also drove a gas truck, worked at M&M Distributing, was a logger for a while, moved houses, worked in construction, and he also worked as the Assistant Chief of Police in Centerville.
Max was very fond of teasing people and joking around. He enjoyed cooking, writing poetry, fishing, camping and boating on his pontoon. Most importantly, he cherished every moment spent with his family and friends.
Left to honor Max's memory are his wife, Matilda Barber; his children, Mike (Emily Micetich) Barber, Carol (Ed) Arduser, Sonny (Tish) Walker; grandchildren, Angelina Barber, Max Barber, Jill (Carlos) Strickler, Jeremy (Beth) Barber, Ryan (Alli) Van Dorn, Zachary (Kaitlyn) Van Dorn, Matthias Arduser, Addison Arduser, Shanan Schmidt, Amy (James) Brown, Elsie Arduser, Talia Walker, Adrian Walker, Raquel Walker, William Walker, and Lydia (Collin) Allen; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; his sister, Betty (Billy) Moorman; as well as several other extended family members.
Max was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Esther Barber; his son, Terry; his daughter, Dayna Van Dorn; his brother, Rex Barber; sisters, Daisy Felts, Violet Ballard, Glendoris Waddle, Rosa Richardson, and Pearl Dudley.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. Burial will follow the service at Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville with Military Rites conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will take place at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 1:00PM-2:00PM. Memorials in honor of Max have been established to Humble Heros, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Barber family, 501 North 18th Street, PO Box 125, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook
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