Tony Barber

Tony Barber -73 of Goessel, Kansas passed away on Tuesday May 21 2024 at home, following a 5 year battle against cancer. Tony was born in 1950 to Bill McKee and Carolyn Packard. They had 3 sons together, Carolyn then married Charles Barber and they had another son. They lived in Dennis then Parsons, Kansas growing up. Parsons became "home" once Tony and his older brother Larry went to work at the family service station known locally as "Barbers Corner" just east of town at the ages of 8 and 9. They attended 1st-8th grades at a rural school house outside Dennis, Kansas. Tony then graduated from Labette County High School and later in life his most exciting graduation came through the Missouri Auction School, bringing the work he enjoyed the most.

Once grown Tony married Dorothy Stone in 1974, and had 3 children together. Tony later married Kelly Riggs and gained her 2 children as well. Tony and Kelly owned Diamond T Auctions and The Treasure Trove flea market in Newton, Kansas until Tony's illness forced him to retire in August 2023. A tumor growth had required his right arm to be amputated, though he stood defiant. “You can take my arm, but you'll never take my fishin pole.” Tony and Kelly were also members of the Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Newton, KS where his memorial service will be held on June 22, 2024 at 2:00pm, as well as online over ZOOM. 

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Carolyn and Charles Barber, his brother Rick Packard, and father in law Ray Short. He is survived by his wife Kelly, her children Jacob and Emily Riggs. Tony's 3 children Joseph, (Stephanie Barber), their children Zachery and Colton, Jennifer Barber, (her significant other Keith), Michael, (Brittney) McKee, their 3 children. His brothers Larry and Chuck Barber, his sister in law Susie Packard, his father Bill McKee, mother in law Ileeta Short, and sister in law Karla Landwehr. 

Cards or memorial donations can be sent to Kelly Barber  at P.O. Box 146 Goessel, Kansas 67053. Whether spending his time fishing for crappie or as a "fisher of men" Tony was passionate and persistent about it, those that knew him are invited to carry on for him in remembrance.