Thomas Barber

Thomas J. Barber passed away on Tuesday August 16 2011 after a courageous battle with lymphoma. He is preceded in death by his parents Sam and Anne Barber; and brother Sam Barber Jr. Along with his devoted wife Carol he is survived by brother Ted (Beverly) Barber of Michigan; sisters Shirley (Dennis) Uhrin of Rhode Island and Rosemary (Edward) Chevalier of Canton; sister-in-law Sophie Barber of Tennessee; many cousins special nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. Tom was very proud of his Italian heritage and strong family ties. Tom attended Akron Central High School. As an airman he attended Century College of Medical Technology. He proudly served in the US Air Force in the 7505th Hospital Group in Swindon England and in the 5th Air Force Hospital Group in Casablanca North Africa. This gave him an opportunity to travel throughout Europe and Africa. After his honorable discharge Tom worked as an X-Ray technician at Akron General Hospital while attending college. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kent State University. In addition he also attended Arizona State University's NDEA Leadership Program as one of 24 nationally selected participants. Tom began his teaching career at R.B. Chamberlin High School in Twinsburg where he was recognized as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar. From there he went to Kent State University as a faculty member and was later appointed to administrative positions during his 30 years of service. Tom was the first Kent State graduate to serve as a Dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts a position that he held for 10 years. Over the course of Tom's career as an educator and administrator he was recognized with many honors from professional affiliations and organizations that he served. He was the first president of Kent State Beta Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. Epsilon Pi Tau the International Honor Society for Professions in Technology recognized Tom with a Laureate Citation. The International Technology Education Association honored him with a Distinguished Service Award as did the Ohio Technology Education Association. Tom served as the Universities official representative to the Mississippi Valley Teacher Education Conference from 1980 to the present. Tom was inducted into Vision 21 recognizing outstanding Kent College of Technology alumni and he also served as Vision 21 committee chairperson. He was a member of the advisory board for the School of Theatre and Dance. Tom served on the Kent State University Foundation Board and served a term as the university representative to the Mid American Conference and to the NCAA. He was inducted into the Blue and Gold Athletic Hall of Fame as an honorary inductee. Tom worked in conjunction with the development of the Kent State University Museum and the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion and Design and also served on the Friends Advisory Board. Tom remained active with his professional organizations the university community along with his military group. As an advocate of the arts he enjoyed a variety of music and theater venues in addition to reading sports and traveling. Tom dedicated his professional and personal life to the well being and concern for others. Tom's strong faith was paramount as he dealt with the circumstances of his illness. He felt blessed by his family and friends' visits prayers and support in addition to those of the pastoral staff of the Canton Baptist Temple where he attended since moving to Canton. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday August 22 2011 at 11AM at The Canton Baptist Temple 515 Whipple Ave. NW Canton. Interment in Sunset Hills Burial Park with Pastor Mike Frazier. Friends may call at the Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St. on Sunday August 21 from 2-6 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Canton Baptist Temple 515 Whipple Ave. NW Canton OH 44708 Kent State University Foundation P.O. Box 5790 Kent OH 44240. Please designate one of the following KSU Foundation areas: Thomas J. Barber Endowed Scholarship for The Regional Academic Center Kent State University Museum Porthouse Theatre or by donating blood or platelets in his name.