Ronald Lee Barber

Ronald Lee Barber, 72, of Fort Worth, passed away after a short illness on Sunday, October 29, 2023, with his sister by his side.

A private memorial celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at his group home. Ronald's three roommates along with his caregivers, Ora White of 12 years, Phillis Jefferson of 7 years, and Cynthia Hicks of 9 years were there. Support staff and close local friends of the family also were in attendance. A memorial graveside service will be held in the spring in Pampa.

Ronald was born on September 25, 1951 in Pampa to his loving parents, Gene and Erma Lee Barber. Loving grandparents were LA and Gertrude Barber and Clara Elsie Kennedy. A year later Ronald's sister was born. This completed the close-knit family. Ronald brought with him a life that touched many people in a special way. Ramps were built, braces, crutches, and wheelchairs became the normal means to make life simple for Ronnie. His parents sought after all possibilities available for simplifying his life. Ronnie always greeted people with his big smile and outreached hand for a shake. Speech was limited for Ronnie so understanding and communication became boundless for those close to him. Family gatherings where home cooked meals by his mom, grandmothers, and sister were a favorite of his and there was always pie. Ronnie never got enough of riding in the car to check out his dad's engineering projects or just seeing the countryside and cities. His granddad always made sure he had a roll of quarters to buy his own coke out of a coke machine. 

Erma Lee was a wonderful mother. She studied what would be a perfect diet for him, nursed him through surgeries, was faithful in daily therapy routines. Ronald was always dressed well because Erma Lee checked every detail, had fresh haircuts, and he always had the latest fashion in clothes. Ronnie loved his family. He always enjoyed being around when people were having fun and eating well.

Ronald attended Sunday School at First Methodist Church, Lolly Pop School for kindergarten, William B Travis for a special class, and the First Presbyterian Church also had a program that he was able to attend as well. Erma Lee advocated for Ronny in Austin to lobby for much needed public classes and training for the population. Ronald's life counted and those that loved him will miss him dearly.  

Ronald is survived by his sister, Connie Barber Carlisle of Granbury; one niece, Jeanette Carlson Hawkins and her husband Gary of Nevada, Missouri; one nephew, Scott Randall Carlson of Tuscan, Arizona; one great niece, Alyx Hawkins of Fort Worth; one great nephew, Spencer Hawkins of Nevada, Missouri; and many cousins.

Memorials may be made to Pampa Meals on Wheels, 302 E Foster, Pampa, Texas, 79065.