Leo M. Barber

April 5, 1925 - February 7, 2022

Leo Merle Barber was born on a farm just north of Alden on April 5, 1925. He was the second son of Merle and Carrie Sattler Barber arriving after sisters Vera, Florence, Louise, Leda, Donna, and brother Guy. After Leo came Pearl, Mac, Glen, Amber and his only surviving sibling Erma (Mrs Harold “Bud” Deater). After graduation Leo headed out west to see the world. He became a cowboy in Idaho living in a covered wagon and working a ranch. Eventually, he headed back to Alden and his much beloved Torch Lake. On March 8, 1950, he married Ella May Martindale during a Michigan snow storm. Because of the weather the reception was cancelled, and they left immediately for a month in Florida. They were married 69 years with her passing in 2019. Together they raised four children, Gay (Robert Rowell), Sharla (Leon Leach), Leo Jay (Dawn) Barber and Karla Sue. Later came six grandchildren Beth (James Stricko), Jamie (Michael Gaye), Matthew (Stacy) Leach, Jennifer (Rick Groleau), Andrea (Stephen Brown), Erica Barber and six great grandchildren. Leo was a jack of all trades and was good at most of them. He worked in the woods, built his homes and was on the Mental Health Board where he served many years as a chairperson. He was very active in the Alden Methodist Church and the Alden Men’s club. He was instrumental in the building of the Torch River Marina. With all his accomplishments, first and foremost was his love of Ella May and his family. He was a kind gentle soul always ready to lend a helping hand. He is greatly missed already. Many Thanks to the staff at Kalkaska Assisted Living for all the caring and kindness and to Heartland Hospice and especially Laura Casey and his special friends for being such a gift to our family. In Leo’s memory please do a random act of kindness for someone. Grave side services will be announced at a later date. Cremation arrangements provided by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.