In loving memory of David George Barber Leesburg, FL

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Barber, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, musician, and friend. David was a man of many passions, but above all, he loved Jesus Christ and lived his life with unwavering faith. David passed away at Cornerstone Hospice House in The Villages, FL on March 30, 2023 at the age of 70.

He was born October 26, 1952 in Enid, Oklahoma. David was adopted into the loving family of Albert Grant Barber and Margaret (Hastings) Barber where he was raised on a farm as an only child in a home filled with faith. As an adult, he had the opportunity to connect with his birth mother, Dorothy (Gray) Hatfield; biological sister, Janet Nay and half-sisters, Doris Taylor and Janet (Hatfield) Snodgrass.

David graduated from Osawatomie High School, of Osawatomie, KS, in 1970. He then went to Allen County Community Junior College for two years. There he met his soon to be wife, Joann Marie (Tidd) Barber. They were married on August 24, 1974 in Iola, KS and remained married for 48 years. They moved to Olathe, KS where they started a family, having two children: Kevin and Kristi.

David held various jobs including construction and security, with the last being a crossing guard at a local elementary school, which he enjoyed. His favorite was his time as a lineman at the Johnson County Executive Airport as he loved airplanes. In later years in KS he became involved with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) where he attended all the classes and meetings, but luckily, no disaster hit the area.

David’s deep faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He was always quick with a smile and a kind word, always checking in on others, even when he was going through so many struggles of his own in these last several months. His love for God and unwavering faith will be greatly treasured by all who knew him. We take comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his Lord and Savior, playing music and conversing with loved ones who have passed before him.

David was also a passionate motorcycle rider, and he loved nothing more than hitting the open road. He found freedom and adventure on his bike, and he often shared his love of riding with his family and friends. He was a member of Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) since 1986, always very involved in charity runs, including Run for the Son each year.

In addition to his love for Jesus and motorcycles, David was also a talented self-taught musician, playing the guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and even the accordion. Music was a deep passion for David, and he loved to share his talents with others to bless and glorify the Lord. He played at countless events, including church services for the last 35 years, and he was always eager to jam with anyone who shared his love for music. He had a natural ear for music, and his love for playing brought joy to all who heard him.

David was also known for his love of conversation. He was a great storyteller and could talk and talk for hours on end, sharing stories and insights with anyone who would listen. His warmth and charisma made him an instant friend to all who met him.

He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret (Hastings) Barber; his father, Albert Grant Barber; his biological mother, Dorothy (Gray) Hatfield; biolgical sister, Janet Nay; half siblings, Larry Brannan and Donald Hatfield. Surviving is his wife, Joann Barber; his son, Kevin Barber and his wife, Kristy Barber; his daughter, Kristina Randall and her husband, Mark Randall; his grandchildren, Donovan Barber, Aubree Barber, Ashlee Barber, Austin Randall, and Braylen Randall; and his half siblings, Paula Edwards, Doris Taylor, Beverly Sligar, and Janet (Hatfield) Snodgrass.

David’s body will be laid to rest at Lone Oak Cemetery in Leesburg, FL on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM, after receiving his final motorcycle ride in a procession with his family and friends down one of his favorite roads to ride. If desiring to be part of this ride please arrive at JB Boondocks, 704 S Lakeshore Blvd, Howey-In-The-Hills, FL 34747, no later than 10:00 AM. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the upcoming CMA ride, Run for the Son. You may donate online at CMAUSA: https://cmausa.org/Donate/DonateId=RFS#Runfortheson, or checks can be made out to CMA-RFS and given to the family or be mailed to CMA, PO Box 9, Hatfield, AR 71945. Please state on checks it’s a memorial to member # 23011.