Lawrence (Larry) Barber passed peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, in Clermont, Florida.
Larry was born on August 5, 1942, in Corydon, Iowa. He was no longer married, but he and
his ex-wife Diana remained friends, and she lovingly assisted with his care till the end.
Larry was a Retired Air Force Msgt serving between February 1960 and August 1980 as well
as a Vietnam Veteran. During his military service he was awarded the Bronze Star. The
Bronze Star Medal is a United States military decoration awarded to service members for
heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a
combat zone. It's the fourth-highest individual military award.
Larry had a passion for flying, and after retiring he flew for several charter and cargo
airlines, Air America, Total air, Japan Airlines, Saudi Airlines, finally retiring once again from
Evergreen Airlines. His interests also included an enjoyment of tinkering. He could always
be found with several projects going on at once, some half-finished, some half-started,
always believing his way was the right way. Larry also operated a tour boat for Universal
Studios and a bus for the Lake County School District.
After moving to Florida in 1999 and living in several different communities, Orlando and
Tavares, he finally settled in the City of Clermont. Larry joined the Blessed Sacrament
Catholic Church in 2009, where he became involved with the Youth Group. He also joined
the Knights of Columbus where he enjoyed the social and helping out aspect.
Larry made many friends along his life journey, like Bill Overbay, Virgil Garcia who could be
counted on for a lunch date or when in need of a helping hand.
Larry is survived by three sisters, Dorothy Yost, Gaynell Moore, husband Keith, Susan
Griffen and one brother Kevin Barber, wife Leisa: 8 of his 9 children, Cheryl Gates (Barber)
husband Victor, Mikayla Barber, Michelle Hershberger (Barber) husband Myron, Richard
Barber wife Wendi Chase, Serjohn (JoJo) Barber, Tiffany Barber, Denyse Barber, Nico Barber
wife Glady Gamboa, 18 grandchildren, with a new one due in September, and 34 great
grandchildren, with a new one due end of July, a Great-great Grandson coming in
September, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Velta Barber (Bledsoe), his siblings
Glendoris Barber, twins Delbert "Del" Barber and Della Patterson (Barber), Delane Overton
(Barber), Donald Barber, Fletta Diamond (Barber), Robert "Bob" Bloom, Erma Means
(Barber), and Karen O'Hara (Barber), and his daughter Sandra K. Sawyer (Barber).
Viewing & Rosary will be at Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 5:30 to 9:00 pm.
Becker Funeral Home, 806 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont, Florida 34711
Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, July 16, 2025,
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 720 12th Street, Clermont, Florida 34711.
Burial Service with Military Honors will be held in Newton Iowa on August 5, 2025,
Pence-Reese Funeral Home 301 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton, Iowa 50208
Graveside Service to follow at Newton Union Cemetery 1601 W 4th St N, Newton IA 50208