Lawrence A Barber

Lawrence A. “Larry” Barber, 81, of Lexington, died Friday, May 30, 2014.

He was born June 1, 1932 in Caro to the late Harry and Jean Barber. He married Gerri VerHowe on May 20, 1982 in Haslett.

Mr. Barber proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. As a young man, he farmed and worked for Grand Trunk Western Railroad for several years. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Michigan State University and was an active MSU alumnus. He was an occupational education teacher for Linden Community Schools, Westwood Heights Schools and Michigan School for the Deaf in the Flint area. He then served for 20 years with the Michigan Department of Education overseeing job training programs for handicapped youth and adults. Mr. Barber was a nationally-recognized leader in his field, served as a technical advisor to the President’s Committee on Employment for the Handicapped under Presidents Nixon and Ford and was a consultant with 19 other states and the District of Columbia. Later in life, he taught at Lansing Community College.

He is survived by his wife, Gerri; a brother, Jack (Winnifred) Barber; a sister-in-law, Nancy Riekse; cherished nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Services for Larry will be held in August.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Barber Scholarship Fund at Michigan State University, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, E. Lansing, MI 48824-1005.