Bennie J. Barber

Bennie J. Barber, 88, of North Vernon, passed away at 1:02 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Compassus Hospice in Indianapolis.

Born September 24, 1934, in Scipio, he was the son of the late Ben and Roxie (Fitzpatrick) Barber. He married Mary Alice Grinstead on April 4, 1953, in North Vernon; she preceded him in death on August 15, 2021.

Bennie served in the U.S. Army from 1952 - 1953. He worked for the Star News in Indianapolis, as a contract hauler for twenty-five years, was a foreman for ITT Thompson in North Vernon for twenty years and owned Vernon Sundries. Bennie was a member of Zion Baptist Church; Murat Shrine of Indianapolis, where he once served as president; North Vernon Masonic Lodge #59 F.&A.M. He was also a race car driver in Vernon, and he loved working on old cars and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth (Judy) Barber of North Vernon; daughter, Linda Ellerbrook of North Vernon; brothers, Bob (Janet) Barber of North Vernon and Mike Barber of Vernon; sisters, Betty Lou (Pete) Shepherd of North Vernon and Stella (Kenny) Cummings of Zenas;  grandchildren, Lori (Scott Vogel) Leahigh, Shanna (Casey) Byram, and Justin Ellerbrook, all of North Vernon, and Brian (Kathy) Barber of Seymour; great-grandchildren, Garrett (Morgan) Leahigh, Mary Leahigh, Ben Leahigh, Mackenzie Byram, Kyle Byram, and Luke Barber, all of North Vernon, Conner (Teddi) Byram of Greenwood, and Isaiah (Brianna Herald) Barber of Vernon; and great-great-grandchildren, Eva Leahigh and Emilia Leahigh, both of North Vernon, and Baylor Barber of Vernon. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sue Sklarew; and son-in-law, Donnie Ellerbrook.

A graveside service for Bennie will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023, in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon with the Rev. Mark Sorrells officiating. Military graveside rites will be given by members of Matt Hester Post #2021 V.F.W. and Masonic Memorial Service by members of North Vernon Masonic Lodge #59. Arrangements were in care of Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon. Dinner to follow service at the Rolling Hills Shrine Club.

Memorials may be made in honor of Bennie through the funeral home to the American Heart Association and Our Hospice of Jennings County.

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