Robert Dean Barber

Robert Dean Barber, 94, peacefully passed away on January 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in 1928 in Minneapolis, MN and grew up in that area. During his high school years, Bob worked at the family drug store to help his mother, who was the sole owner, run the business. Bob graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army as well as the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Bob was hired by the U.S. State Dept. to start what would be an illustrious 28-year career in government service. Bob retired in 1980 as the Director of Security for the U.S. Information Agency, which was responsible for such notable Cold War programs such as the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. At great personal sacrifice, Bob spent much of his time as the Director traveling internationally to ensure the security of transmission facilities as well as other related facilities in support of the USIA's mission. In 1952, Bob met Dorothy Clyatt, to whom he was married to until her passing in 2016. They celebrated 64 years of blissful marriage together, raising a family of four children. In retirement, Bob worked as a Background Investigator for the U.S. State Dept. and as a Program Officer with the Office of International Visitors for USIA. Bob was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He served the homeless and prison ministries and was a lector at Sunday Mass. Bob actively pursued his insatiable interest in history. This interest created a desire to discover his own ancestry, an endeavor which resulted in his learning and documenting his family's genealogy. He also wrote an autobiography of his life, Looking Back, which he completed in 2017. This account of his life was a compilation of his memories and anecdotes about his childhood in Minneapolis and being raised by a single mother in the 30s and 40s. As much as an autobiography, it was also a tribute to his mother, who struggled to support Bob and his brother during the depression years by herself, as Bob's father had died early in his life. Bob will be remembered as a kind and gentle person, who treated everyone with respect and dignity, as well as a cherished family man. The world has lost a positive influence with his passing. Bob is survived by his children Janet Norris (Joseph), Nancy Daniels (Scott), Joseph Barber (Samantha), daughter-in law, Holly Barber, nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Ralph C. Barber and brother, William A. Barber. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Reaching Out Now https://reachingoutnow.org/donations/robert-barber-memorial/

Robert Dean Barber

February 15, 1928 - January 17, 2023