Edwin J. "Ed" Barber, 85, of Iola, Kansas, died Sunday, February 15, 2015, at his home. Ed was born October 4, 1929, in Long Beach, California, the son of James H. "Bud" and Ruth (Rogers) Barber. The family returned to Kansas when he was a young child. He attended school in Howard, Kansas, and graduated from Howard High School in 1947. Ed received a degree in secondary education from The College of Emporia in 1951 and moved to Iola to teach 7th grade health and 8th grade history in the Iola Middle School. After thirteen years of teaching he changed vocations and became a dry wall and painting contractor. Ed was married to Jean Marie Staley on May 28, 1949, in Howard, Kansas, and they had three children. They were later divorced. In April of 1987 he married Linda Long Hamilton. Ed loved the outdoors and spent time bird watching, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was active in sports and during his senior year of high school was on the championship football and basketball teams. SURVIVORS: Wife Linda 1 son: Barry Barber and wife Nadine of Winfield 2 daughters: Brenda Bumgardner of Iola and Belinda Bertoncino of Maricopa, Arizona 3 stepsons: Barry Hamilton of Iola, Marc Hamilton of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Travis Hamilton and wife Carol of Ft. Myers 1 stepdaughter: Angie Walters and husband Kevin of Chanute 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren Ed was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard, and a grandson, Dustin Hamilton. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICES: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel. There will be a time for visitation immediately following the service. MEMORIALS: Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) To sign the guestbook online or to leave a condolence go to www.iolafuneral.com.