Dale and Crystal Barber, both age 75, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
Dale was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Frank and Katherine (Graef) Barber. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan shortly thereafter. The family later moved to Birmingham, Michigan and Dale graduated from Birmingham Seaholm High School in 1964. He subsequently graduated from Olivet College in 1968, and Kent State University in 1971 with a master’s degree in education. Following completion of his master’s degree, Dale began his teaching career at Sandusky Middle School where he taught for the next 17 years. During his time teaching, as yearbook advisor, he cultivated his love of photography, and, in 1988, retired from teaching to pursue his “hobby” as a full-time career. After many years of operating a side-business out of the house, Dale Barber Photography and Framing/Creations by Crystal was subsequently born as a storefront and remained in business for the next 30 years. In 2014, Dale took up another profession and became a local pastor in the Methodist Church. He could be found each Sunday in Minden City, Shabbona, or Deckerville until retiring in 2019. When not working, Dale was actively involved in the Custer Masonic Lodge (elected Worshipful Master twice), Sandusky Eastern Star, Sandusky Lions Club (twice being elected president), Sanilac County Historical Society, Professional Photographers of Michigan (Past President), Sandusky First United Methodist Church and later Sandusky Presbyterian Church.
Crystal was born in Detroit, Michigan to Henry and Nora (Lowe) Hacker. Following her birth, she was brought home to Sandusky, where she began making her mark on the community. Crystal graduated from Sandusky High School in 1964. Following her graduation, she attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Education. She subsequently began her teaching career at Sandusky Elementary School teaching second grade. While teaching 2nd grade, she won the prestigious Freedom Foundation Medal. During her summer vacations, she earned her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Crystal taught until 1974 and the birth of her son. To keep herself busy while chasing a toddler around, she began to dabble in cake baking and silk flowers, in addition to teaching piano lessons (which she had been doing since returning from college). Over the ensuing years, she grew her flower business to include silk and fresh flowers and quickly expanded to include party decorating as well. When not busy with “work”, Crystal was the quintessential musician. She began playing for church at age 12 and continued for the next 63 years. She especially enjoyed playing duets with Bob Stasiuk. In addition, she played for numerous local events including solo and ensemble, weddings, funerals, plays (often directed by her dear friend I. Lee Cork), and choirs. Crystal was also actively involved in Eastern Star (where she was Worthy Matron), Sandusky Lions Club, Sanilac Choral Club, God’s Kids, Sandusky First United Methodist Church, and later Sandusky Presbyterian Church (she played and directed the bell choir at both).
Dale and Crystal were married on August 4, 1973 and recently celebrated 48 years of marriage. Throughout their marriage they were inseparable. They had an unceasing love of others and were often hosting events, either at home or around town. Their lives were focused on bringing the love of Christ to all those around them.
Dale and Crystal are survived by their children, Theodore (Amy) Barber and Anne (David) Romas, six grandchildren: Zachary, Elise, Finley and Aaron Barber and Ethan and Barrett Romas, a brother Arlen (Debby) Hacker, and a niece, Paula Hacker and nephew, Jim Hacker. They were preceded in death by parents, Henry and Nora Hacker and Frank and Katherine Barber, and daughter Erin Barber.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 27th from 2-8 P.M. and on Tuesday, December 28th from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the Hacker Funeral Parlors, Sandusky.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Hacker Funeral Parlors, Sandusky.
Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, Sandusky.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dale and Crystal Barber Memorial Scholarship fund in care of Theodore Barber at: 1201 West Sanilac Road, Sandusky, MI 48471.
Out of an abundance of caution and courtesy to those attending the visitation and service, the family requests that attendees please wear masks.
Arrangements entrusted to the Hacker Funeral Parlors, Sandusky. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.hackerfuneralparlors.com or mailed to daughter Anne Barber Romas, 3178 Bembridge, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221.
Last Updated on October 31, 2023