Steven A. Barber
August 25, 1947 – June 17, 2026
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Steve’s life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 2:00pm, at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, 2010 Nichols Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49004. He will be laid to rest privately at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 78, passed away at his home on June 17, 2026, with loved ones at his side. He was born in Battle Creek, MI, on August 25, 1947, the son of the late Wilson and Edna (Jordan) Barber. Steven was a kind man who loved his family, country and community. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served on the USS Kitty Hawk. On March 7, 1970, he married the love of his life, Kathryn G. Cook. After being honorably discharged, Steve returned to Kalamazoo and earned his degree in education at Western Michigan University. He began teaching for the Niles Public School system and would eventually become the principal at Grand Haven and Newaygo Schools. His belief and hope in children made a difference in the halls and classrooms around him. Steve was a firm believer in God. He was a member of Trinity Church in Niles, St. Mark’s in Newaygo, and was currently a member at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo. Steve had many hobbies, including a great passion for music. He loved writing, playing and sharing music with others. He was also a strong supporter of the community around him and gave selflessly of his time and gifts. He was deeply involved with ISAAC in Kalamazoo and furthered their effort of building a more just community. Steve loved life and loved people. His outgoing personality, smile and laughter made him a joy to know and he will be missed. Above all Steve loved his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who left behind the legacy of a life well lived. Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathryn Barber; children, Jacob Barber, Rebekah (Adam Brown) Blesing, Carolyn (Brad) DeFeyter and Megan (Kyle) Fenton; his grandchildren, Rowen Blesing, Faith, Noel, Haven, and Gia DeFeyter, Alma and Greta Fenton; his brother Lee (Diane) Bylsma; extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by his sisters, Sharon Fedoruk and Beverly Mercer.
So sad to hear the news of Steve passing. What a great guy. We meet Steve and Kathy in the early 1970’s as new teachers for Niles Community Schools. We soon became good friends. You could call Steve anytime if you needed help with something. He would drop what he was doing and was there to help. For years Steve and I, with some other teachers, had breakfast every Friday morning at a local breakfast place. Conversation was always lively and often what was happening with our families. Steve taught both of our children in first grade as they sang their way with reading and math lessons. Becky and our son, Jason, were friends in high school and Becky stood up at Jasons wedding. Steve even drove out to Boston when Jason was running in the Boston Marathon and we toured the sights with Steve and Jake. Steve was on my administrative staff for several years until he moved on to take a principalship in Grand Haven. Steve called me just a few weeks ago and we reminisced about old times and getting old. Our condolences to the entire Barber family.
I am one of dozens of people from Niles MI who will miss Steve Barber. Steve was a remarkable man and a truly gifted & dedicated teacher. I was blessed to be a part of the Y Family Center Day Camp with Steve in the late 70s. Through bad weather, threats of poison ivy, some unidentifable lunches, and a few sad children on the overnight, Mr. Barber–armed with his trusty guitar and his dedication to kids, carried on. As a teacher, Steve inspired not only his students, but other teachers as well. Following his example made better teachers of those of us who were lucky enough to know him. He will, indeed, be sorely missed. But never forgotten.
Steve Barber has been a tremendous contributor to the health and well being of both our education and music communities in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. His infectious joy, caring, compassion, and wonder were his trademarks. His love for children of all ages was clearly demonstrated through his work as a teacher and administrator in both public schools, and at the university. His musical gifts benefitted our community through his participation in local community music gatherings, festivals, school, and libraries, wherever he could share a song and a tale! Steve truly was a bright light in so many of our lives, and a dear sweet soul. Steve, know you’ve left this place a little better for your presence in it! Peace and grace to Steve’s family as you all help each other onward.
In fondest admiration, Robin