Ocala - Bernard Ketmann Barber, age 81 of Ocala, died July 22, 2011. He was born to Bernard Ketmann Barber and Mildred Mingle Barber, April 6, 1930 in Millington, Michigan. Known by all his family and friends as 'Ket', he leaves behind a daughter, Jan Titsworth (Steven), Millington, MI, a son, Jon Barber (Jena Brooks), Ocala, FL; Grandchildren, Jeni (Don), Erin (Chris), MI, Sarah and Julia, Ocala, Fl., and Great-Grandchild, Sara, MI. Ket was a graduate of Culver Military Academy and Michigan State University and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was the original farm manager at Kinsman Stud Farm, Served as Executive Director of Florida Breeders Sales Co., Executive Director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a scout for the New York Yankees and worked in Public Relations for Kinsman Hotels in Ocala. He served on the board of directors for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Marion County Homeless Coalition and Central Florida Community College Foundation. Ket was a Founding Director of the Marion County Literacy Council and Francis Marion Military Academy. He was a longtime member of the Elks Club, Fort King Kiwanis, and Ambassador for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce. As a devoted member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, he was a longtime member of the Choir, the Perpetual Adoration Ministry, Cursillo and Brother's Keeper Soup Kitchen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evagene Barber and sister, Wanda Wilson. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, July 29, 2011 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, Ocala, FL. Interment services will be held in August (date to be determined) at Millington Cemetery, Millington, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be offered to Brother's Keeper, 5 SE 17th St., Ocala 34471 or Francis Marion Military Academy. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.hiers-baxley.com.

Published in Ocala Star-Banner from July 26 to July 27, 2011