Samuel Barber

Samuel Carter Barber

Age 90 of Morris and formerly Decaturville, Tennessee, passed away Monday April 19, 2010 at his home.

Born October 3, 1919 in Selmer, Tennessee, Samuel was a son of the late Jeff Barber and Minnie Ester Kennedy. He was raised and educated in Decaturville by his mother and step-father Frank White and was a graduate of Decaturville High School. On August 16, 1940, Samuel married Claudia Blakeman in Corinth, Mississippi and together they were married for 65 years. Claudia preceded him in death on February 24, 2005. Samuel was a member of Ironworkers Local #393 in Aurora, from where he retired. He was known for his love of horses, cattle and dogs, and also enjoyed coon hunting and raising coon hounds.

Survivors include his son Frank (Sally) Barber of Morris; two grandchildren: Greg (Mandy) Barber of Farmersville, Texas and Lori (Danny) Hill of Verona; five great grandchildren: Franklyn, Benjamin, Timothy and Rebecca Barber and Daniel Hill; one brother Bobby N. (the late Patricia) White of Decaturville and two sisters-in-law: Bonnie (Loy) Blakeman of Huntingdon, Tennessee and Beatrice (Troy) Blakeman of Spring Valley, Tennessee, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents; wife Claudia and several half brothers and sisters, including Maxine (Chet) White a�" Howard.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 21, 2010 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block East of Illinois Route 47) in Morris and again Saturday April 24, 2010 from 11:00AM until time of funeral service 1:00PM at Reed's Chapel, 113 Southwest Street in Decaturville, Tennessee (731/852-3643).

Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Decaturville.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Samuel's memory to Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice, 518 West Illinois Avenue, Morris, Illinois 60450 or We Care of Grundy County, 520 West Illinois Avenue, Morris, Illinois 60450.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Local Arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815/942-2500)