SPARTA – Robert E. Barber, 85, of Sparta, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021 at his home in Sparta, IL.

Robert was born July 18, 1935 in Willisville, IL, to Robert and Ida Catherine Eaton Barber.  He married Martha Ann Bannister on December 15, 1956 in Sparta, IL, later he married Kim Bixby on June 19, 1993 at Prairie Du Chien, WI.  Robert was a retired U.S. Postal Service employee. Robert was a member of St. Peter's United Christian Church, Red Bud, IL, Hope Lodge #162 A.F. & A.M., Sparta, IL, Red Bud Lodge #427 A.F. & A.M., Red Bud, IL, Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies , Valley of Southern Illinois, York Rite, Knight of Saint Andrews, and Ainad Shrine Temple, E. St. Louis, IL.

Robert is survived by his wife Kim Barber of Sparta, IL, children; Richard Barber of Raleigh, NC, Mary Naas of Barlow, KY, Beverly Albarracin of Chatham, IL and Amy Love of San Antonio, TX, stepchildren; James (Robin) Bixby of Ellis Grove, IL and Kristopher (Jennifer) Fudge of Riverview, FL, grandchildren; Victoria and Isabella Albarracin, Sarah and Jason Naas, step-grandchildren; Sabrina and Alexander Bixby, and Kevin Fudge II.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and sister Vida Suzann Kelley.

Robert's wishes were for cremation.  Memorial graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, May 10, 2021, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO, with Reverend Cory Hartz officiating.  Memorials may be given to St. Peter's United Church of Christ or Shriner's Children Hospital and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.  To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .  Due to executive order, face masks must be worn, and social guidelines must be followed.