BARBER, OWEN M.

Owen Barber, 20, a 1940 graduate of Moweaqua High School, has been killed in action [November 11, 1942] with the U.S. Marines, according to a message received by his father, A. M. Barber, living north of Pana. The message, received from Washington Monday, gave no details except to state that “temporary interment” had been made “near the scene of death.”

Young Barber, who was employed with the Davey tree surgeons, working out of Kansas City, Mo., enlisted in that city last Jan. 6. He left the United States in July and his last letter was dated Oct. 18.

He leaves his father; a younger brother, Delford D., who enlisted in the Marines Nov. 20 and left for a West Coast training base Dec. 7; a sister living in Moweaqua, and his grandparents, with whom he made his home in Moweaqua, Mr. and Mrs. O. M. Barber.

Historian’s note: Pvt. Barber was tortured to death by the Japanese. He was buried in the field, and his remains were never recovered.