| Date of Birth | March 13, 1941 |
| Passed Away | September 6, 2018 |
| Place of Residence | Andrews Settlement |
| Home State | Pa. |
| Service Date | September 14, 2018 |
| Service Time | 2 p.m. |
| Service Location | Bath National Cemetery |
Vernon Harold Barber I
Vernon H. “Bunk” Barber I, 77, of Andrews Settlement, Pa., died Thursday, (Sept. 6, 2018) in Buffalo, N.Y., having been a patient in the Buffalo Veterans Administration Hospital for two weeks.
Vernon was born March 13, 1941, in Coudersport, Pa., the son of the late Selin C. and M. Lowanna (Slingerland) Barber. He attended Northern Potter High School in Ulysses, Pa., and Elohim Bible Institute in Castile, N.Y. Vernon was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, and served on the U.S.S. Currituck AV-7, “The Wild Goose”, from March 10, 1959, to March 12, 1962, during the Vietnam War
Vernon was an excellent mechanic, capable of fixing almost any engine; he was an avid fisherman, hunter, and gun aficionado. He was a Philadelphia Eagles fan, was an exceptional pool player, loved playing cards, was a joker and prankster, and he loved to read, especially his bible. His ability to recall and recite scripture was extraordinary. He was a member of the Potter County Anglers Club, and The USS Currituck AV-7 Association. Vernon loved large family gatherings and reunions, his children were his pride, and his grandchildren were his joy.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son and namesake, Vernon Harold Barber II, on Sept. 9, 1990; his brother, William C. Barber; his niece, Mary Ellen Barber Craft, and his brother-in-law, Alwin D. Ingalls.
Surviving are his son, Calvin Barber of Andrews Settlement, Pa.; his daughter and son-in-law, Suzette and Peter Pondillo, of Horseheads, N.Y. and son and daughter-in-law, Gabe and Samantha Barber, of Ulysses, Pa. Also surviving him are his sister, Patricia Ingalls of Shinglehouse, Pa.; his sister-in-law, Theresa Barber of Andrews Settlement, Pa.; an aunt, Helen Howland of Port Allegany, Pa.; his beloved companion, Lillian Free, of Genesee, Pa.; his grandchildren, Zane, Zeke, Bella-Sophia, Haydon, and Kaydence, as well as many special nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and his dog Buster.
The Avoca Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Vernon Harold Barber I.
Calling hours are 11a.m.-1 p.m. Friday (Sept. 14, 2018) at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 North Main St., Avoca, N.Y. Immediately following will be a procession to the Bath National VA Cemetery for committal service and military rites.
Memorials can be made in Vernon’s name to Potter County Anglers Club, 4472 S.R. 82, Coudersport, Pa., 16915.
Online condolences or remembrances of Vernon are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Fond memories come to mind when thinking about Vern. Over the years we caught a few fish, drank a few beers and reminisced about our good old younger years when fish would drag us down the creek. Vern was one of the original good old boys. People loved him and fish feared him. I always looked forward to Verns visits to NY,it meant good times on the river and another fishing adventure. He was a polite quiet man but god help anybody that ruffled his feathers. I am lucky and proud to have had Vern in my life and to be known as his friend. Until we meet again old friend godspeed,keep a tight grip on that fly rod.
Our deepest condolences go out to Verns family and friends. He will be missed dearly.
Jerry&Joan Sharrow
Uncle Bunk, as I called him, certainly was a man of many talents and a great prankster. However, there is a side that I want to mention that was so loving, caring and compassionate. He kind to anyone who would allow his kindness in their life. If they needed a bookshelf, he would find one, or a toilet seat, he would buy one, he would find all the goodies such as different mustard, different sausages, and other foods that had a quality taste and wanted to share this with friends and family. He was a generous man all the way with time, energies, his abilities, and anything else he could come accommodate others with. I remember he came to my home one day with a homemade Strawberry Shortcake doll for his great niece and oh that was adorable. Someone made it for him and he gave it to my daughter. We always disagreed on our football teams. He would tell me the next move the team he didn’t want to win would make. He had memorized just about every pattern of playing in the football team. He truly was an Eagles fan and he would tell me my Buffalo Bills would go down. We laughed, we got intense and one of us would suck up the loss and the ribbing. He was an intense Pinochle player too. I loved playing with him to see if I could outwit him or if I was his teammate, it would be fun to pull one out of the hat. His memory was impeccable and so if you sandbagged in a card game, he was the first to catch it or if I reneged then he would let the player know. He had every trick memorized and what cards were played. I have so many great memories with him. I will miss him so much but he left me with so many good memories and fun, I just have to share. He loved to share his salmon, his trips to fish and every friend and family member was special to him.