Archie V. Barber

Archie Vernon Barber, 

Age 91, of Tipp City, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Upper Valley Medical Center.  He was born September 16, 1932 in Ravenswood, West Virginia to the late Arthur and Mary Matilda (Archer).  In addition to his parents, Archie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline and his eight siblings, sisters, Velma “Peggy” Sharp, Golda Casto and Delores Corbin; brothers, Homer “Buck” Barber, Wayne Barber, Ralph Barber, John Barber and Roland “Bill” Barber.   

Archie is survived by his two daughters, Kandy Gibson (Don) and Debbie Flohre (Steve); three grandchildren, Josh Flohre, Heather Buck (Evan), and Chelsea Krogman (Karl); and two great grandchildren, Miles & Ari Krogman.  

Archie was a proud Veteran, who flew his American flag each day in front of his house.  A small-town farm boy, high school football star, joined the Navy during the Korean War in hopes for a better future.  He always spoke highly of his time in the Navy and the opportunities it provided him. 

He worked for National Cash Register in his early years until the beginning of the digital age when he then worked as a machinist.  He was a wise man who could do most things.  He always had a side hustle to keep his mind learning.  He would buy wrecked cars and fix them up, sell and buy another one.  He would grind hot rod heads to precision in the garage for drivers.   He was a car guy.  The man always liked a new car.  The joke in the family was that when the car needed new tires….it was time to buy a new car.   Even at 91, he went out one day and came home with a new car. 

Archie was the type of father and grandfather who was always a teacher, a beacon of guidance and unwavering support.  His love language was simple yet profound-being present.   He loved his family and always spent time playing.   There were always games in the backyard.  Time was spent learning how to throw a frisbee, play football, croquet, badminton, or baseball.   Archie’s house was the hit of the neighborhood, as he had the tools and kept all the bicycles tunes up, tires pumped and chains lubed.  Even in his 70’s and 80’s it was not unusual for the doorbell to ring and there would be an 8-year-old standing there asking if Archie can come out and play.  Before he would give his daughters a car, he would teach them how to rotate the tires, required them to change the oil, and do other repairs such as replace an alternator or starter.   While teaching his daughters to drive, he would say,” when driving through a city you are unfamiliar with, always stay in the middle lane.  It will provide you with quicker options.”  It seems that always held true in other parts of life as well.   

Family vacations were always big.  Archie would save his quarters all year in preparation for road trips to Florida, the Rocky Mountains, or the Smokey Mountains and a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.   His goal was to visit most of the states.  He tried to stay off the Interstate and really see the country.   He was a map guy, but never really needed a map to get somewhere.  Summer weekends were meant for fishing and he always took the time to teach the art of fishing to children.   But there were also times when sitting on a porch, and watching the birds, was time well spent.  

Archie was an avid football fan.  Saturdays and Sundays in the fall was definitely football season.   The Browns were always his team, but at times he was known to cheer on the Green Bay Packers especially after he became an owner of the Packers. 

But perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the love he showered upon his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He embraced the role with boundless joy and tenderness which was a testament to the depth of his love and richness of his character.

Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and enduring memories.

Inurnment with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 15, at Dayton National Cemetery.