May 21, 2008

JOHN ROBERT (JACK) BARBER

John Robert (Jack) Barber of Jacksonville was born Oct. 15, 1928, to A. Newell and Mady Barber in Robertson County. He died May 17. Graveside service was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Barbara Hugghins officiating. Mr. Barber lived all his life in Jacksonville and graduated from Jacksonville High School. He earned the FFA Lone Star Degree. He and Joyce Janssen of Runge were married on Aug. 15, 1950.

He owned a service station, did security guard work and owned a lawn service business. He was a Woodmen of the World member for more than 60 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A. Newell and Mady Barber and sister, Merle Faye McBee.

Survivors include wife of 57 years, Joyce; daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Stanley Wade; son and daughter-in law, John and Judy Barber; grandchildren, Wendy Wade, Robbie and Tina Barber, Duane and Leigh Anne Barber, Greg and Elizabeth Wade; six great grandchildren, all of Jacksonville, a niece, Karen McBee of Lufkin. Memorials may be made to ALS Association- Greater Houston Chapter, P.O. Box 271561, Houston, 77277-1561 or donor's choice of charity.

Information from The Cherokeean Herald

John Robert “Jack” Barber

John Robert “Jack” Barber of Jacksonville was born October 15, 1928 to A. Newell and Mady Barber in Robertson County at the home of his grandparents. He died in Jacksonville on May 17, 2008. Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Resthaven Cemetery, Jacksonville with Rev. Barbara Huggins officiating. Visitation will begin Monday afternoon with the family receiving friends Tuesday from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM at the Autry Funeral Home. Mr. Barber lived all his life in Jacksonville on the family farm and graduated from Jacksonville High School. Growing up on a farm, he excelled in agriculture earning the FFA Lone Star Degree. It was through a farm magazine that he met his pen pal Jayce Janssen of Runge. They were married on August 15, 1950. He grew up in the Baptist Church and took various courses in religion to learn more about the Methodist Church. He was injured in a car/pedestrian accident at the age of 5, causing severe brain damage. He experienced surgeries and experiments with different types of medical treatments to live a normal life. He was strong-willed and no quitter and he did the best he could. The last 11 years at the nursing home, he fought the odds and many a time pulling through when the doctor would say this is the end. Even though he could not communicate, he was saying “God and I will do it our way.” He owned a Service Station, did Security Guard work and owned a Lawn Service business. He faithfully followed the JHS Indians and looked forward to his daily trips to town to drink coffee at his favorite coffee spots. He was a Woodmen of the World member over 60 years. He loved his family and enjoyed being around them. In younger years, he looked forward to visits from aunts, uncles, and cousins in the summer and later visits from his sister and niece. Family get- togethers at holidays with his children and grandchildren were special to him. He especially enjoyed and was proud of his grandchildren whom all lived near by. They could get “Grandpa” to do anything. His great-granddaughter Brooklyn called him her “Hampaw,” He is preceded in death by his parents, A. Newell and Mady Barber and sister Merle Faye McBee. Survivors include wife of 57 years, Joyce, daughter and son-in-law, Helen and Stanley Wade, son and daughter-in-law, John and Judy Barber, Grandchildren, Wendy Wade, Robbie and Tina Barber, Duane and Leigh Ann Barber, Greg and Elizabeth Wade, 6 Great-Grandchildren, all of Jacksonville, a niece, Karen McBee of Lufkin. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Saade and staff of Legend Oaks for their devoted care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to ALS Association-Greater Houston Chapter, P.O. Box 271561, Houston, Texas 77277-1561 or Donor’s Choice of Charity.