Keith Barber

Delbert Keith Barber, 97, of Oxford Junction, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the Clarence Nursing Home.

Keith was born on January 20, 1928, in Onslow, Iowa, to Robert William Barber and Valda B. (Moore) Barber. He graduated from Oxford Junction High School and devoted his life to farming the land he loved. For Keith, farming wasn’t just a profession — it was a passion passed down through generations. He took great pride in raising crops and livestock, maintaining his land with care, and instilling those same values of hard work and stewardship in his children and grandchildren.

One of Keith’s greatest joys was working with horses. He had a special way with them — a quiet patience and deep understanding that brought out their best. Whether plowing fields in his early years or simply enjoying their companionship later in life, horses were always close to his heart. He often said that some of his best days were spent in the barn or in the pasture, with the steady rhythm of hooves and the peace of rural life surrounding him.

Family was the cornerstone of Keith’s life. He shared over 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Donna Mae (Benhart) Barber, whom he married on September 4, 1948, at the Oxford Junction United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life rooted in love, tradition, and strong values. Keith was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who never missed a chance to attend a school event, lend a helping hand, or offer words of wisdom. His presence was a steady and comforting force in the lives of those he loved.

Keith was an active member of the Oxford Junction United Methodist Church and a long-time member of Zealous Masonic Lodge #435. He was also a proud supporter and leader of 4-H, mentoring countless youth throughout the years and fostering a love for agriculture in the next generation.

Keith is survived by his two children, Julie (Tom) Koranda of Bellevue and Steve (Kathy) Barber of Oxford Junction; four grandchildren, Brock (Stacey) Barber, Danielle Barber, Derek (McKenzie) Barber, and Drew (Erica) Koranda; and six great-grandchildren, Griffin, Gentry, Willa, and Cora Barber, and Zayn and Sage Koranda.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna; two sisters, Norma Lou Brodersen and Peggy Hungerford; and a great-grandson, Keiven Barber.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Dawson Funeral Services in Oxford Junction. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Oxford Junction United Methodist Church, with an additional visitation one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Mayflower Cemetery in Oxford Junction.

In lieu of statues, the family kindly requests flowers, plants, or monetary donations in Keith’s honor to benefit various local charities within the community he held dear.

Cards of condolences may be mailed to Dawson Funeral Services Attn: Keith Barber Family Po Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.