Wilbur Wilson Highbarger, Jr.

Wilbur W. “Dub” Highbarger Jr., 81, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday October 29, 2023, after a short but vigilant battle with cancer. 

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel with a visitation starting at 11:00 am until time for the service. Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dub was born on January 4, 1942, in Columbia, to the late Wilbur Sr. and Helen (Evans) Highbarger. He attended Columbia public schools and graduated from Hickman High School in 1960. Dub had a long career in the printing industry, first with Combined Communication Services, and later for the Missouri Secretary of State. 

He married his high school sweetheart and true love, Sandra Lee Crawford (Highbarger), on May 5, 1962. Sandy and Dub celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2022. The other loves of his life were his two sons, Gregory (Christee) of Leawood, Kansas and Jeffrey (Abbie) of Port Townsend, Washington. He especially cherished his two grandchildren, Ian and Payton. Dub’s passions throughout his life included spending time with family and friends, going out dancing with Sandy, and watching the games — particularly baseball, and particularly the Cardinals. 

After retirement, Dub and Sandy enjoyed traveling — going on several cruises and bus trips around the United States. Wilbur was a member of the Community United Methodist Church.

Dub was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Lee Highbarger, who passed away on December 31, 2022. He is survived by his siblings: Tommy Highbarger, Sarah Brilhante and Teresa Highbarger.

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