Robert Wayne Barber, affectionately known as Bobby Barber, made his earthly departure to his Heavenly eternal home on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at the young age of 57 years, after fighting a “good fight.” He was born Aug. 20, 1961, the eldest son of Robert Henry Barber and Emma Lee Jenkins Barber.

Bobby worked for many years as an air conditioning/refrigeration repairman, until he was involved in an automobile accident that caused severe back issues to the point he could no longer do his work. Though he was no longer able to do a lot of the physical labor, he refused to let his disability stop him from ministering to others in whatever way he possibly could, whether it be baking a sweet treat for another family going through this very type of difficult hour or helping a widow with her small appliance repair needs or standing as the door-keeper and greeter at Ben’s Ford Baptist Church.

One of his greatest joys in life was ministering to others. Bobby was the president of the Washington Parish Chapter of WoodmenLife and he worked diligently to provide new American flags to the graves of deceased veterans in cemeteries throughout the area. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed working with his cows. He will be greatly missed by many throughout the community.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories: his precious wife of nearly 38 years, Audrey Seals Barber of Bogalusa; daughter and son-in-law, Tena Barber Martin and Beau David Martin of Bogalusa; son, Royce Barber of Bogalusa; granddaughter, Victoria Danielle Martin that was his pride and joy, the apple of Paw Paw’s eye and his #1 sidekick; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie Barber Burdeaux and Fred Burdeaux of Bogalusa; brother, Paul R. Barber of Bogalusa; five sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Martha Young of Bogalusa, Elaine Passman of Franklinton, Barbara and Tommy Hall of Pine, Kathaleen Passman and Cindy LaCroix, both of Franklinton; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, David and Marilyn Seals of Franklinton, and Casey Seals of Tylertown, Miss.; and also numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, countless cousins, friends and extended family including his brothers and sisters in Christ at Ben’s Ford Baptist Church, whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry Barber and Emma Lee Jenkins Barber; many aunts and uncles; and a very special cousin that made his home-going journey a couple days prior, Aaron Hughes.

Visitation was at Ben’s Ford Baptist Church (58521 Highway 439 in Bogalusa) on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13. A home-going celebration service will be held in the church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, with the Rev. Caleb Martin, the Rev. Lynn Martin, and the Rev. Jimmy Byrd officiating. His earthly body will be laid to rest near his precious momma and daddy in the Springhill/Magee Cemetery near Franklinton. Crain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Royce Barber, Steven Burdeaux, Ronnie Charbonnett, Allen Fortenberry, Percy Knight, Richard Moran, Virgil Seals and Chris McClelland. Honorary pallbearers will be Darron Simmons, Willie J. Penton, and the men of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class of Ben’s Ford Baptist Church.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com