Lt. Col John L. Barber's Obituary
Lt. Col. John L. Barber, USA Ret., age 89 of Lake City, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in the Lake City Medical Center. Mr. Barber was born March 3, 1929 in Talladega, Alabama to John Henry and Idelle Sides Barber.
He was a graduate of Auburn University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He then proudly served his country in the United States Army for thirty years, having earned the rank of Lt. Colonel upon his retirement. During the 1970s and 1990s, he was the vice-president of Atlantic First National Bank in Gainesville, now known as Wells Fargo Bank. He later served as a staff member with the Alachua County Clerk of the Court until his retirement in 2009. He loved to share his passion for flying, having owned and flown many aircraft for over 60 years. This passion was demonstrated as he was instrumental in bringing the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to the Gainesville area during the 1970s.
Mr. Barber was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Joye Barber. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Barber of Gainesville, FL; sons, Brad (Tina) Barber of Gainesville, FL and John “Randy” (Marie) Barber of San Jose, CA; grandchildren, Alex (Kristen) and Brian Barber, SSG Tyler (Amy) Shepherd, Michael (Lorraine) Barber and Breanne (Jason) Herrera and great grandchildren, Austin, Ethan, Shawn, Brinlee and J.J.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11:30 a.m., in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street. A reception will follow the service. Entombment will follow in Forest Meadows Central Mausoleum with military honors.
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