Richard E. Barber

Richard E. “Rick” Barber, 59, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012, at his home in Galesburg, Illinois.   Rick was born on July 21, 1952, in Champaign, Illinois, to Mabel C. (Entwistle) Barber and Marion E. Barber. He graduated in 1974 from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Communications. While at Illinois, Rick met his future wife Mary Hanlon, and the two were married in 1974.     Rick received a J.D. in 1979 from the University of Tulsa College of Law. That same year he came to Galesburg and joined the law firm of Hanlon & Ruedig, where he later became a name partner. In addition to his private practice, Rick served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Galesburg, beginning in 1980, and as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for the Central District of Illinois, beginning in 1982.   Additionally, Rick served as an officer in the Knox County Bar Association, and was a member of the Jaycees and the Noon Lions Club.     Rick is survived by his wife, Mary, his two children Kathleen Barber and David Barber, and his sister, Mary (Mike) Pugh.   Rick will long be remembered by all who knew him for his great wit, his warmth, his happiness in serving others, and his love for his family and friends.   The visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 at Watson Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 8 p.m.  Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Knox County Council for Developmental Disabilities (KCCDD) or to Hospice Compassus.