November 30, 1933- October 3, 2014
Dr. Bobby Dan Barber was born November 30, 1933, in Obion, Tennessee to the late Thomas
Willie Barber and Juanita Wilson-Barber. He attended Miles High School in Union City,
Tennessee. He later went on to receive his Bachelor’s of Science Degree at Tennessee State
University. Tennessee State also ushered him into the membership of the Mighty Rho Psi Chapter
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He continued his education at the Tuskegee University School of
Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Barber also belonged to the Widow’s Son Lodge #1 as a Freemason.
While at Tuskegee, he met his wonderful wife, Matilda (Jernigan) Barber, whom he later married on
December 27, 1959. Three children were born from this union.
Dr. Barber was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture; originally assigned to
Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1960, he later moved his family to Anderson, Indiana in 1964. Meticulous and
professional, Dr. Barber was recognized for many contributions in this field, notably, as Chief Officer
for Disease Eradication, which included the war against Hog Cholera in 1976. He traveled extensively
around the world on behalf of the USDA as investigator for foreign animal disease to Brazil, China,
Finland, and England. In 1987, he served as the lead veterinarian for the Equestrian events for the Pan-
Am Games held in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1994, the USDA Civil Rights Program of the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation for his years of service.
Dr. Barber was a faithful member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Anderson, Indiana, since 1964,
where he served on the Trustee Board, Sons of Allen, Lay Organization, and the choir. He annually
traveled to Phoenix, Arizona where he became a visiting member of Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church. The
Tanner Chapel family was also entreated with his faithfulness to the various church organizations, the
weekly Tuesday Bible Study, and of course, the choir.
He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, and he was an avid golfer. Golfing was a
favorite pastime of his, and many friends were made who shared his love of the sport. He traveled all
over the world sampling the many courses that were available, and his love of golf culminated with the
trip of a lifetime to Scotland, the country of origin for the sport. Dr. Barber exhibited his golf mastery at
the Old Course at St. Andrews.
On October 3, 2014, Dr. Bobby Dan Barber went home to be with his Lord after a sudden illness.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita Barber and Thomas Barber and one older brother,
Elwood Barber. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 54 years, Matilda Barber of
Anderson, Indiana; two daughters, Andrea Fay Barber-Dansby of Anderson, Indiana and Robin Johnson
(Earl) of Roswell, Georgia; a son, Thomas Barber of Anderson, Indiana; a granddaughter, Alexandrea
Dansby of Anderson, Indiana; a brother, Fredrick Barber (Joyce) of Humboldt, Tennessee; sister-inlaw,
Jackie Barber of San Diego; sister-in-law, Sarah Phillips of Florida; brother-in-law, Isaiah Jernigan
(Sarah Ann) of East Point, Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.
I am saddened to here about the loss of your husband, father, brother and uncle. Thomas, Andrea and Robin I also know how it feels to loose a father and I have been praying for you all since my mom shared the news with me. While losing your father is not easy and there will be many days when it is will be very hard remember to rejoice in the fact that you know where he is. That is what will help you cope when it get very hard. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Anndra (Holbert) Morgan
Thank you.
To the Barber Family:
Words can not express the sadness I feel at the loss of such a wonderful person. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his lovely wife Matilda ( my friend), daughters Fay and Robin, son Thomas and granddaughter Alex. Dr. Barber was such an inspiration to so many and he will forever be missed. Because of his love of golf and music, I know that On October 3, 2014 Dr. Barber was singing as he was preparing to tee off with the angels. I will continue to keep each of you in my thoughts, prayers and eternally in my heart.
Janet Felton, Arizona
May God bless and continue to watch over each and everyone of you love you all the Leon Turner and family
Thank you so very much Leon & Family. You all hold a special place in our hearts. Alex is now 21 years old. Lol
Dan and I were) in high school together (he was called “Dan” when were in school). His older Brother (Elwood) and I graduated in the same class (one class ahead of Dan).
Dan was a fierce competitor in all sports, but especially baseball. We played a lot of baseball together, he as a hard throwing pitcher, and I as his catcher.
We enjoyed reminiscing over our high school days, as I visited with him when we both were in Phoenix a couple of years ago
He was a dear friend of long standing.
My heart felt sympathy goes out to his wife, the other family members and relatives.
John Watkins
Milwaukee, WI
jwat129727@aol.com
.
Thank you so very much Mr. Watkins. He loved Miles High. From Dan’s oldest daughter, Fay – born in Milwaukee.
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our Thoughts and Prayers during this time. God has called another Special Angel Home. Miss Faye from Alexis and Alyssa they Love You and are also sending Prayers for You .
Thank you my extended family. From Ms. Fay
My deepest condolences to Fay, Mrs. Barber and the rest of the Barber family. Dr. Barber was a great and kind man who will truly missed. I will cherish our friendship and all the 1×1 fatherly advice he poured into me throughout my life – and especially during my past two years when I was living Phoenix.
Love,
Kirk & Barbara Newsom – Dallas TX
Thank you so very much
To Mrs. Barber and the family of Dr. Dan Barber. The friendship of Dan and I has been in place for some 65 years.
We attended Miles High in Union City, Tennessee and we had solid contact all those years. Almost every time we talked
we would remind each other of our Miles High days. And we would remind each other just how good God has been to
each of us. It’s “in times like these” that we need Jesus, He said “Call me” and I will answer. Trust Him, and He will bring
you through this dark hour, I am a living witness.
Gentry Mackins – Cerritos, California
Thank you for reaching out to us. We’ll keep in touch. From Fay.
To The family I say, there is an uplifting to be felt today, for you guys had a lifetime with a man that put family first ,as a father, teacher and provider. Yes he is gone to be with his God and Lord, shall I say too his real and true home. He leaves you prepared for all the ups and downs that life can bring to a family, but oh how well he laid it out in plain view for all of you to see and understand. He truly loved his family. I spent just a short time with my friend, way to short but every second I did spend with him will be held in my heart for the rest of my life. So I say to Matilda ,Faye ,Robin and Tommy thank you guys for letting Doc share the winters here with me and I love you all. He will be truly missed.
Thanks Scotty. Very tough days. Leaning on Our Lord helps.
Scotty, thank you for taking care of BB while he was out there with you. You definitely kept my mother and grandmother’s mind and heart at ease with them knowing you were there whenever he needed you. Know that he is always with you and be sure to think about all the fun moments you two shared.
No words can express how grateful I am I have had the influence of Dr. Barber and family on my impressionable years early on. Thank you for being a part of the “village” which helped shape me into the woman I am today! #TSU #GoBigBlue
Thank you.
Man..I am devastated….I know we have not been in touch for a couple of years but this is …wow. Mr Barber. .. the long trustee of Allen Chapel, Golfing will never be the same. To you Ms Barber, Robin, Thomas and of course my girl Fay….I just saw this on the internet…nobody told me. Irregardless…..I send my condolences