Husband, Father, Patriot

On December 27, 2016 Morris Lee Barber passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Jean Ann Barber, daughter Lisa Ann Dorrell (Burkey), Son Donny Lee Barber, son and daughter-in-law Billy D. Barber and Kimberly Estes Barber, daughter-in-law Lisa Ann Burkey (Wehnert), grandchildren Chase Burkey, Gwyn Kiernan (Burkey), Ian Burkey, Heath Dorrell, Tanner Dorrell, Joseph Barber, Hunter Barber, Nathan Barber, Katelyn Barber, as well as six great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his son John Edward Burkey.

Lee was born in Columbiana County, Ohio on August 25, 1925 to Edwin D. Barber and Marion Faye Barber.  He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 30, 1943, at the age of seventeen.  During a twenty plus year career he served as a member of UDT-11, UDT-3, UDT-1, UDT-12, and eventually as a UDT and Underwater Swimmer School Instructor.  Lee was awarded a Purple Heart with Valor and a Presidential Unit Citation for duties performed during the Battle of Balikpanpan, Borneo during WWII.  He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1964 achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.  After retiring from the Navy, he embarked on a civilian career with the Department of Defense that spanned more than three decades.

Lee was an avid golfer and enjoyed working in his yard, relaxing on his back porch, and spending time with his family.

A Funeral with Military Honors will be held at Fort Meyer Chapel, Arlington on March 15, 2017, Family and Friends should gather at the Fort Meyer Chapel around 10am for the 11am Service.  Interment to Follow in Arlington National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:

UDT-SEAL Association

In Memoriam: Morris Lee Barber UDT-11

P.O. Box 5965

Virginia Beach, VA 23471