Tom was born on January 10, 1938, in Parma, Ohio. While in high school in Olney, Illinois, Tom met the love of his life, Lynn Fessel. Following their high school graduation, Tom and Lynn married on October 20, 1956, and just recently celebrated their sixtieth anniversary.

 In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Brad (Diane) and Chris (Joy) Barber; his grandchildren, Julie, Mallory, Chad, Hailey, Bryce, Kaitlyn, and Landon; his great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Savannah, Jordan, and Arianna; three siblings, Lois Lambert of Parma, Ohio, Bill (Ann) Barber of Olney, Illinois, and Denny (Marsha) Barber of Brownstown, Michigan; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In 1952, Tom moved with his parents to Olney, Illinois. In 1960, Tom received his Bachelor degree from Eastern Illinois University, followed by his Master of Arts degree at Chicago South. Tom then received his Doctorate of Education from Southern Illinois University. In 1960, Tom began his professional career, teaching high school in Chicago, Illinois. In 1967, Tom began teaching at Olney Community College. In 1975, Tom and Lynn and family moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where Tom was employed at CVCC as chairman of the Division of Arts & Science Department. In 1986, Tom was promoted to Dean of Instruction at which he stayed until his retirement in 2002.

 Tom's biggest accomplishment was his love for and time spent with his family. Though Tom was a hardworking man, he always put his family first. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, tennis, travel and reading. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his family and attending all school and sporting events of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Because of Tom's love for life and family, he courageously battled Parkinson's with unparalleled strength and fortitude. He was involved in family matters and events until the very end. Tom was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory on 427 Graves Mill Road Lynchburg, Virginia on Monday, February 27, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 11a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. All are welcome to attend a reception following the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue Staten Island, New York 10305-1425.

Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.

The News & Advance, Lynchburg, VA - posted February 26, 2017