Jerry Lee Barber
1954-2018
Jerry Lee Barber went to be with our Lord on August 23, 2018, at 63 years of age. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Waterloo Church of the Nazarene, 457 W. Waterloo Rd., Edmond, OK. Interment ceremony will follow at Gracelawn Cemetery, Edmond, OK. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday and 12-8p.m. on Sunday with the family greeting friends from 3-5 on Sunday at Matthews Funeral Home.
Jerry Lee Barber was born October 29, 1954 in Edmond, Oklahoma to Herman and Betty Barber. He was the youngest of four children. Upon graduating Edmond High School, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the U.S. Samuel Gompers AD 37 as a ship’s fireman. During his military service, Jerry married the love of his life, Patsy Loray Grigsby and later became the proud father of three children. Shortly after leaving the military, Jerry began his career as a firefighter for the Edmond Fire Department. He served his community in that capacity for 25 years, eventually rising to the rank of captain before retiring in 2004. He loved music, playing guitar, and singing. It seems like more times than not, he could be found with his guitar in his lap, strumming his favorite songs. As a born again Christian, he served his church faithfully for many years and loved God and his family without measure. He was the embodiment of honor and integrity and was highly respected by all who knew him. He will truly be missed.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Herman and Betty Barber, his brother, Donnie Barber, his brother-in-law, James Heltcel, father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Mona Grigsby, and brother-in-law DeWayne Grigsby, step-father, Ralph Coy & Step-brother, Chad Coy.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Barber; children, Candi Barber, Cindy Foster, son-in-law, Clifford Foster, and Kenneth Barber; sisters, Cecelia Heltcel, Marilyn Priest, and brother-in-law, Jimmie Priest; and sister -in-law Kathy Barber; grandchildren, Collyn Foster, Carsyn Foster, and Mattic Meuse, step-sisters, Vonnie Schmidt & her husband, Rick Schmidt and Vilene Horton & her husband, Craig Horton. and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, all who loved him very much.
Jerry Lee Barber Husbsnd,Father, Brother in Arms, ? Fighter and Emt.
Jerry was my Friend and helped many of Edmonds “Newbie” FireFighters in all aspects of firefighting, from FF to Drivers andwe were soPeoud when Jerry madeCaptain. I know it took myself 9 times testing for Captain and Jerry was a boneafied competitor every test.
Jerry worked for Trish and I a few times on our off duty days, building school lockers and cleaning up deserted homes.
Jerry was a great guy and loved to sing and play his guitar ?, Jerry was also a good cook and was competitive in our after hours Vollyball , and his share of Firehouse Pranks.
The thing we remember too was his ” cup of Coffee and a Smoke in his hand.” To say you will be missed is an understatement and Jerry and Patsys plans were interrupted by the needs of God for a special man.
Jerry Loved his Family and the Cildren were his Pride and Joy.
Jerry was Proud to have served our country in the US Navy and he and I shared many Service connected stories.
What can I say other then , Jerry may you Rest In Peace knowing your Red Family will take care of Patsy and the Family, when the need arises.
God has a special place for those who put others lives above there own and I know you can now rest.
No more illness, Pain and Patsy knows your in good hands now.
Fare the well my Brother and God speed , until we meet again!
I Love ❤️ You Brother and shall smile each time you cross my mind.
Thank You for all you gave to me and the Citizens of Edmond , Oklahoma USA
Lynneka
Jerry was my mentor when I was a new guy. Always there with advice and just to talk. He was so caring and I true honorable man of God. I fought fire with him, washed and worked on trucks, he taught me how to make gravy for our breakfast, we ate together and we played cards at night. His laugh was infectious, his pranks legendary and he leave a void in my heart. Patsy you are a wonderful person and you too were and still are what a great couple in love should be…. God bless you & our prayers are with you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good man. He responded to a car accident I had and it was comforting to see a familiar, friendly face.
The Barber family is very special to our family going back to living on Concord when we were kids.
We are praying for comfort and peace duty this difficult time. Love to all.
I truly grew to love Jerry as a brother — not as an evil step-brother-in-law! I admired him for his compassion and servant heart. He did so much for my dad, even when it wasn’t always appreciated, and for Rick and I, which was always appreciated! We have lots of memories to cherish. An amazing man who will leave an awful void in so many hearts.
My heart goes out to your family at this sad time. Our families bonded many years ago when we we’re kids and we still feel that same bond. I can see Jerry’s cute smile still in my memories. Good thing is, he is smiling now because he’s with his Heavenly Father! Take comfort in knowing he’s also reunited with Donnie and your parents. What a reunion that must have been! You are in my prayers as you honor him and say goodbye for now. I wish I could be there for you. I love you very much!
Thank you Joann it is comforting to know he is no longer in any pain. Yes, our families go back a long way and I cherish those memories. I love you, Marilyn
Jerry and I were neighbors and good friends during high school. He treated me like a sister and was kind, polite and a real gentleman. He and Patsy were such a great match. The love they shared was so special it was contagious! As happens with “old” friends, we lost touch over the years and I am truly sorry. I am so sorry for your loss Patsy. I lost Dean to Alzheimer’s two weeks ago and I truly sympathize with your loss. Praise the Lord for the time we had both of our husbands and it is such a comfort to know they are praising and singing with the their Savior! Love, Janna Plumlee Brinkoetter
My sympathy to you, Patsy. You were always an inspiration to me when entering your place of work. May God comfort you & your family!
Dorothy Volesky