Ralph E. Barber, 72, of Shelby, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital.
Ralph was born May 11, 1944 in Shelby to the late Harley P. and Dora Pearl (McFarland) Barber. He was a 1962 graduate of Shelby High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force serving during the Vietnam era. Ralph was the CEO of Medasys, Inc., a nuclear medicine imaging company in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ralph was a member of Jaycees, Kiwanis, was a former Boy Scout leader, and was active with Shelby Girls Softball League. He enjoyed camping, deer hunting, genealogical research and was a devout Ohio State Buckeye football fan.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Carol J. (Elston) Barber, whom he wed on June 6, 1964 and three children: Angela (Mohammed) Alnidawi, of Michigan, Dr. Michelle Barber (Dr. Ashlee Drover), of Iowa, and Captain Christopher (Kristin) Barber, of Alabama, and currently stationed in Kosovo.
While in the hospital, he was asked if he went by anything in addition to Ralph. He proudly responded, “Grandpa” and his eight grandchildren are: Justin, Ansley and Ashlyn Mault, Connor, Carson and Charlotte Barber, and Rosie and Noah Alnidawi. Also surviving are: three brothers and a sister: Bob Barber, of Arizona, Ken (Shirley) Barber, of Mansfield, Evelyn (Don) Betts, of Shelby, and Roy (Leigh) Barber, of Michigan; a sister in law: Janice Eichinger, of Shelby; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two brothers: Harley Lavern Barber, Roger Barber; and two sisters: Alice Hickerson, Joyce Barber.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Dr. Rich Rader will officiate and military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.
Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation of Ohio.
To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomeshelby.com.
