Roy Joseph Barbier, 95, of Marion passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, December 12, 2014, after a short illness at Primrose Retirement Community.
Roy was born on May 1, 1919 in Marrero, LA., the eldest son of the late Eno Joseph and Emily (Guidry) Barbier. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and E.J. Barbier Jr.
After graduating from Marrero High School in 1937, Roy played Class A baseball for the Celotex Pelicans in the Georgia leagues for five years before joining the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942. After the war Roy returned to New Orleans to attend Tulane University as a student and catcher for the Green Wave Baseball Team from 1946-1949.
Upon graduation Roy coached high school football and taught English in New Orleans.
Roy is survived by his spouse, Emma Jane (Coccia) Barbier, they were married on New Year’s Eve 1947 in Wooster, Ohio. Together they had four children, David (Doris) Barbier, Danielle Barbier, Douglas Barbier, all of Dallas, TX and Deborah (Alan) Van Winkle of Marion. Two grandchildren, Dr Ashley (Matt) Pettoni, Atlanta, GA, and Jarod Van Winkle of Columbus, OH. Two great-grandchildren, Emerson Grace and Addington Marie Pettoni, Atlanta, GA. Roy is also survived by brother-in-laws, Dan Coccia, Marion, and Otto Coccia of Millwaukee, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Roy was an active member of St Mary Catholic Church, Marion Chapter of Knights of Columbus, past president Marion Catholic High School Booster Club and after retirement devoted many hours to St Vincent de Paul.
Roy was retired after 40 years as an insurance adjuster with a short tenure at the Marion County Sheriff’s Dept. and the Erie Lackawanna Railroad.
He was an avid golfer and long time member of Whetstone Golf Club. He loved all sports, especially the OSU Football Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at St Mary Catholic Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery. A luncheon will be held after the graveside service at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1232 E. Center Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Mary Catholic Church and/or Heartland Hospice of Marion.
The Barbier Family would like to extend special thanks to the staffs of Primrose Retirement Community and Heartland Hospice, both of Marion, for the love and good care bestowed upon our loving husband and father.
Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors are assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallandfolk.com
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