Ralph E. Barber's Obituary
Ralph Elwood Barber, age 95, passed away in Bethany, Oklahoma on June 2, 2026. He was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on January 27, 1931, to Richmond and Bonnie (Sparks) Barber.
Ralph attend and graduated from Okmulgee High school in1950. After graduating high school, he attended OSU-IT in Okmulgee where he got a certification for diesel mechanics. Ralph went on and joined the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War. When he returned, he married the love of his life, Gevena Paulsen, on March 21, 1980, and together they built a life centered on family and devotion to one another. He worked for 25 years at Ball Brothers Glass Plant and later served the children of the community as a bus driver for Okmulgee Public Schools for 30 years. A dedicated community member, he was a Boy Scouts leader and enjoyed coaching his son's baseball teams, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He loved traveling and looked forward to vacations in his beloved Silver Streak, always eager for the next adventure. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than being surrounded by those he loved, especially his grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life.
He will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, unwavering love for his family, and the countless lives he touched throughout the years.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Richmond and Bonnie, and his loving wife, Geneva.
He is survived by his son, Jon and Shyanne Barber of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter, Michelle Bartlett of Miami, OK, grandchildren, Chance and Adrianna Barber of Oklahoma City, OK, many other grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with a host of many other loving family members.
A graveside service for Ralph will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 2PM, at the Okmulgee Cemetery in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, with Pastor Tim Craighton officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Ralph's Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com
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