[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MELVIN BARBER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Melvin Barber. A successful businessman, an avid traveler, and a 
beloved member of my extended family, Mr. Barber had an exceptional 
ability to make friends wherever he went. Mr. Barber passed away on 
Monday, January 11, 2010, at the age of 87.
  Melvin Barber was a native of Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he was 
born to Alfred Barber and Eva West in 1922. Mr. Barber remained in 
Oklahoma throughout his youth, growing up in the nearby towns of 
Drummond and Enid. Upon graduation from Booker T. Washington High 
School, Mr. Barber matriculated at Langston University in Langston, 
Oklahoma. Mr. Barber's college education was interrupted by the onset 
of the Second World War; he was drafted in 1942 and began a term of 
service which lasted for the duration of the war.
  After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1946, 
Mr. Barber moved to Washington, D.C., where he enrolled at Howard 
University. While at Howard, Mr. Barber became a Brother of Kappa Alpha 
Psi Fraternity, Inc. For over 50 years Mr. Barber was a committed 
member of the fraternity, striving to embody their motto of 
``Achievement in Every Human Endeavour.''
  Once Mr. Barber had completed his degree at Howard, he moved to 
Cincinnati, Ohio, in pursuit of career opportunities. In Cincinnati, 
Mr. Barber found a position as a Medical Research Associate in the 
Institute of Environmental Health at the University of Cincinnati 
Medical Center. Mr. Barber dedicated himself to this position, staying 
at the Institute for over 30 years.
  In addition to being an accomplished researcher, Mr. Barber was a 
successful businessman and a cherished member of his community. For 
many years, Mr. Barber owned and operated Highland Computer Systems. He 
was also an active member of Allen Temple AME Church of Cincinnati, 
extending his ministry to the community by acting as a sponsor and 
mentor for many disadvantaged youth throughout the Cincinnati area.
  In 1996, Melvin moved from Ohio to Arizona, where he took up 
residence in the town of Peoria. In his retirement, Melvin indulged his 
passion for travel, visiting countries and making friends around the 
world. When not travelling, he followed sports, particularly the 
Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and created beautiful works 
of stained glass artwork.
  Melvin left us on Monday, January 11, 2010. I will always remember 
the treasured moments we shared at family events, where he loved to 
play dominoes and cards with his sister, Gertrude; my mother, Mildred; 
my sisters, Beverly and Mildred; and my brothers in law, Martin and 
Calvin. He always enjoyed good food, and he was consistently engaged 
with current events. I recall in particular his excitement at the 
election of our first African American President, President ``Obaama,'' 
as he insisted on calling him. I will deeply miss his laugh, his 
kindness, his dedication to my 98-year old Aunt Juanita, and his 
tremendous love for life.
  Today we salute, honor, and celebrate the life of a great human 
being, an outstanding member of his community, and a true renaissance 
man. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________