John Frank Barber
John Frank Barber was born in Orange, Texas October 21, 1923 and passed from this life in Clear Lake Regional Hospital January 28, 2018 at the age of 94, surrounded by the people who loved him. At his bedside was Mary Henderson, his two sons, John Thomas Barber Sr., Douglas L. Barber and other friends.
John joined the Army Air Corp shortly after the start of WW II, rose to the rank of Tech. Sergeant Engineer and waste gunner on B-24 Liberators. He was stationed in North Africa in the 15th Airborne where he flew 50 missions over North Africa, Italy, Poland and Germany. He was highly decorated earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart and The French National Merit of Honor to name a few.
His entrepreneur spirit lead him to own Barber Motors (Buick and Pontiac Dealership) during the mid1950’s as well as the Barber Lynn Shoppe both in La Marque, Texas. Later, John worked for many years, both in Galveston and Denton Texas, for the Civil Service Branch of the Corp of Engineers from which he retired. Not letting grass grow under his feet he developed Moss Lake Enterprise.
John is preceded in death by his mother and father (Eunice Vilo Barber and Norman Barber) both of Orange, Texas, and his brother Roy Norman Barber of Santa Fe, Texas.
He is survived by his sister Betty Lou Wingate of Orange, Texas, sons: John Thomas Barber Sr. (wife Shearin Winters Barber) of Hitchcock, Texas and Douglas L. Barber (wife Michele Williamson Barber) of Denton, Texas. Foster daughter Debbie Gribble (son Eric, daughter Shelly); three grandchildren, Kimber Barber Holmes (husband Bryan), John Thomas Barber Jr. (wife Stacy Broiles Barber), and Allison Barber Gibbs (Husband Joel); six great grandchildren, Nelson and Simon Holmes, Ava, Ella, and Trace Barber and Gentry Gibbs, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him.
John is also survived by his best friend and close companion Mary Henderson, her daughter Glinda (husband Robert) their sons Cory Holman (wife Devin and children Hannah, Holden and Emmie) and Cody Holman (wife Maria).
Visitation will be Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at James Crowder Funeral Home, 401 Texas Ave. in La Marque, Texas 77568. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock, Texas 77563, with Pastor Helen DeLeon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
John was a great man and will always be one of the most amazing people I’ve met in my life! I’m gonna miss sharing war stories with you and having you talk to my boy Haden about the Great War, we were truly found of you and you will and forever always will be in our hearts and prayers!
Fly high Airman I’ll see you on the other side!
The Fitzpatrick family
Miss you already John. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Love you.
Loving you and missing you. Remembering you always.
Fly high once again, Darling! You fought a good fight.
Love,
Mary
Love you John-John. You were a delight to be around and your smile was contagious. We miss you already, our Grandpa and Ray of Sunshine. Thank you for all the moments and stories you shared with us.
Love you now and always,
Cody & Maria
John was a fine man with amazing accomplishments including navigating his bomber in WWII to safety when it was hit by German cannons and caught fire. His purple heart was fully legitimate. He was a hero and during the decade or so has been like a father to me rather than a father-in-law. John was a true entrepreneur and instrumental to the county as an engineer/advisor in the construction of a bridge.
He is part of one of the greatest generations that changed and protected the world.
We love you Grandpa! Proud to call you Grandpa for the past 20 years. You lived such a full and amazing life. You will always be missed.
Love you,
Cory, Devin, Hannah, Holden, Emmie
Please accept our sympathy.