Alfred L. Barber

Alfred Lee Barber was born August 13, 1943 in Room 13 in Maryville, Missouri to John and Ellen Frances Barber. He and his younger brother, Jim, grew up on a farm in Parnell, Missouri and attended Snowball and Gaynor country schools. After graduating from Northeast Nodaway R5 in 1961, he came to Omaha, Nebraska to attend Universal Trades School. Upon graduation he worked at the Omaha Bus Terminal and later did body work and painted cars at Dewey Smith Chevrolet, and then Jim Earp Chrysler Plymouth. In 1973 he accepted a job with PPG Industries where he had a successful career as a Territory Manager for 32 years, retiring in 2005. Shortly before retiring, he and his wife Judy earned a trip to the Bahamas for making quota. After retirement Al went to work for Arnold Motor Group in Omaha as tech support.

Al met his wife, Judy, after coming to Omaha. They were married December 7, 1963 in Elkhorn, NE and had two children, Brian and Brenda. During their 63 years of marriage, they travelled all over the United States as well as numerous cruises and to other countries including Germany, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. Their favorite places to visit in the States were Hunter’s Peak Ranch in Wyoming, Lake Ethel in Minnesota with friends, and Bennington, Duluth and Missouri with family. He loved working on old cars, trucks and tractors, but his pride and joy was his dad’s 1968 Ford truck that he restored.

In 1983, Al was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease. He was able to beat the cancer after radiation and chemotherapy treatments and several back surgeries, but the treatments caused serious back pain for the rest of his life. He also had many other health issues, but he and Judy approached them all with positive attitudes and kept active. The Alan Jackson song, “Living on Love” truly encapsulated their love and devotion to each other.

Al had a large circle of family, friends and neighbors who loved him and were in awe of his strength and determination, especially the last few years when he was in constant pain. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in all of their activities: baseball, softball, dance, volleyball, swimming, basketball, soccer and music performances. Al’s numerous activities included golfing, bowling, camping, square dancing, sitting around the campfire, drinking a Diet Coke, riding his mower, watching John Wayne and Nascar and playing cards with friends and family. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the vintage tractor group, Camp Creek Threshers. Al was also part of the South Omaha Horticultural Society (SOHS) and Garden Club.

In 1984, Al and Judy built AJ Playfarm on 20 acres South of Bennington, NE. They enjoyed many years of entertaining on the sledding hill and around the card and food tables.

Al died suddenly at home April 14, 2026. He is survived by his wife: Judy; son: Brian (Peggy) of Duluth, MN; daughter: Brenda (Jeff) of Bennington, NE; four grandchildren: Wyatt of Grand Rapids, MI and Aden Barber of Madison, WI, Hannah and Mackenzie Thacker of Bennington, NE; brother: Jim (Linda) Barber of Bethany, MO; and Hansen family: Neal (Sally) and Olivia of Denver, CO, Lyle and Terry “Pete” (Judy) of Omaha. He also has many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister: Eunice; as well as in-laws: George, Clarissa, Larry, Paula and Andrew Hansen; Terry, Lois and Michelle Ronne; and Lynda Creutzburg.

The family would like to send their sincere gratitude to Bennington Fire and Rescue, the Douglas County Sheriff Department, Roeder Mortuary and Mike Peters for the care that they gave to Al and the dignity and respect shown to the Barber family.

A favorite saying between Al and his granddaughter, Mackenzie, when parting ways was

“Glad you got to see me”.

There will be a Visitation 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Tuesday (5/26/2026) with Memorial Service 12:00 PM Tuesday (5/26/2026) at St John's Lutheran Church 322 N Molley St. Bennington, NE.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Quality Living, Inc. Rehab in Omaha with love to Jeff and Steff.

To view the livestream, please click this link: https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsBennington/streams

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel - 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com