Paul David Barber, 84, died July 29, 2019 peacefully at home in Overland Park, Kansas surrounded by his family.
Paul was born on October 4, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas to John and Olive (Johnson) Barber. He graduated from Wyandotte High School and received his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Kansas in 1957 and his Juris Doctor Law degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1965.
He started his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1957 in Kansas City, and earned his professional engineering license. He became Chief of Engineering for the Kansas City District of the Corps where his career spanned the era of flood control with Truman, Clinton, Tuttle Creek, and Stockton Lakes. He oversaw the coordination and direction of the Brush Creek channelization project following the 1977 flood. His interest in civil engineering and flood control began with his personal experiences of the 1951 flood of the Kansas City West Bottoms. In 1992, Paul became the Chief of Engineering, Directorate of Civil Works at Corps Headquarters in Washington D.C. He retired from this position in 1995, and he continued to consult during his retirement years.
He was past president of American Society of Civil Engineers, Society of American Military Engineers, Bishop Miege High School Board, Triangle Fraternity Alumni Board; Board Chairman of Marillac; Board member of the St. Joseph Health Center and Rockhurst College Board of Regents; and member of the School of Engineering and the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Advisory Boards, University of Kansas.
Paul was decorated for Meritorious Civilian Service and awarded the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service from the Department of the Army. He also received the Engineer Regimental Association Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal and the Distinguished Engineering Service Award from the University of Kansas, School of Engineering.
Paul was a longtime parishioner of Cure’ of Ars Church where served in many liturgical ministries. He loved bridge, canoeing, traveling, sports and playing golf. He was a leader and coach in Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball and CYO Basketball.
He is survived by his loving wife Diane Barber (Mealy) and children: Sister Susan Barber, David (Katherine) Barber, Linda (Joseph) Rozell, Joseph (Robin) Barber, Jennifer (Dave III) Ruf, nine grandchildren: Michael Barber (Sarah), Bethany Barber, Dana Rozell, Joseph Rozell Jr., Brenna Barber, Madeline Ruf, Dave Ruf IV, Paul Ruf, Megan Ruf, his sister Edwynna Curry, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack Barber, Robert Barber, and sister Ruth Raw.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 1st at Cure’ of Ars Church, 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, KS from 5:30-7:30 pm with a rosary starting at 5:15 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 2nd, at 10:00 am, Cure’ of Ars, followed by burial services at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira in Lenexa, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul’s name may be made to Benedictine Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, KS; Cure’ of Ars Church; or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.