Donald Oscar McMillian Barber was born May 30, 1924 in Mitchell to Charles “Clare” and Ethel (Raymond) Barber. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1942. He worked in an aircraft factory in California until he was drafted in the Army Air Corp. Donald served 3 1/2 years during WWII, during this time he did active duty in Europe and the Middle East as an aircraft mechanic.  He participated in the secret mission, Operation Frantic, in the Ukraine. After his honorable discharge in 1946 he started farming in Hanson and Davison County with his father. On October 14, 1950 he married Betty Lou Harrison at the First Lutheran Church.  He was a 25 year member of the American Legion, director for many years of the Rural Conservation and Development Board, manager for nine years and 25 year director of the Lower James Conservancy Subdistrict, township board member for numerous years and Hanson Township school board for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou, three children: Donna Lou (Dale) Meyer, Pollock; Robin (Wendie) Barber, Mitchell; Scott (Dawn) Barber, Chester; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, with one more expected in July, sister-in-law, Bette Barber, Streamwood, IL and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers: Raymond, Erwin and Howard.