Thomas Eugene “Gene” Barber, 97, of Caldwell, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home Caldwell, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the First Baptist Church Caldwell. Pastor Shane Dismuke will preside over services. Burial will follow at Caldwell Masonic Cemetery with Masonic services and Military Honors.
Gene was born on July 31, 1925, in Kosse, Texas, to parents, Thomas Allen Barber and Frances Viola (Morgan) Barber. He was the eldest son, second of nine children born to this union.
Gene attended school in Bremond, Texas, graduating in 1941 as the senior class president, high school quarterback, and he also played in the school band.
His life will be remembered as one of service to God, his country, and his community. Gene was an example of someone of humble beginnings who was determined to make a difference.
He was affectionately known as “Pawpaw” by his family. Living 97 years, he saw many changes in this world. His life was filled with many fascinating and varied experiences.
He had a wealth of information on Caldwell, World War II, Law Enforcement, National History and music. Everyone enjoyed hearing his story telling as he recalled the people and events of his life.
Although too young, he convinced his parents to sign so he could join the military during World War II. In November 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the Aircraft Carrier USS Corregidor and the USS Oglethorpe for 33 months. The Corregidor was engaged in four Major Battles of the South Pacific. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargent and was honorably discharged in 1946.
He continued his military service as a member of the Air Force Reserve Recovery Squadron stationed at Easterwood Air Force Base. In 1956, he was named Airman of the Year by the Continental Air Command. The award recognized his qualities of leadership, military bearing, duty, character, loyalty and excellent participation in training activities.
Upon returning from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, R. Doris Butler, on June 13, 1946. The family moved to Caldwell in 1950 where Gene had been offered a job as Assistant Manager at Harvey Motor Company.
Their first commitment was to join First Baptist Church Caldwell and become involved in its ministry. They both taught Sunday School, Gene continuing until age 95. Gene sang in the choir and men’s quartet. He was ordained a deacon on May 5, 1954, serving for 68 years.
Gene had several careers during his lifetime. He worked as a jet engine mechanic at Bryan Air Force Base. He had the State Farm Agency. He owned and operated a Sinclair Service Station. He joined the U.S. Postal Service in 1957 and became active in the Rural Mail Carrier’s Association, where he served as State Steward arbitrating many disputes and was elected State President of the Association.
He began his law enforcement career in 1974 serving as a reserve officer for the Caldwell Police Department. He became full time in 1986 and was appointed Burleson County Sheriff in 1994. He served as sheriff for 10 years.
When he retired at the age of 80, he was the oldest working sheriff in the State of Texas. During his tenure he made training a priority by conducting the first Reserve Law Enforcement Officers Training School. Many who attended credit him with launching their law enforcement careers even today. He also helped launch, the COPS program, the DARE program and Crime Stoppers.
His community involvement continued by serving on the Caldwell School Board for 21 years, commander of the American Legion Post Number 451, lifetime member of the VWF Post 4458, member of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club of Caldwell, Board member of the Caldwell Cemetery Association, Caldwell Housing Authority, City Tax Equalization Board and Brazos County Council of Governments.
He was a member of Warren Masonic Lodge Number 56 and Eastern Star Chapter 976 of Caldwell for more than 60 years. He served as secretary, Master and District Deputy of the Lodge and as Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star numerous times. He was proud to be a 33rd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, member of the York Rite and Ben Hur Shrine of Austin. He touched many lives as a dedicated and skilled teacher of the masonic tenets.
After his retirement and the passing of his loving wife, “Dorsey,” he had time to pursue his love of music. He had a vast collection of Bob Wills music and was quite a historian of his life. He became known as the “Singing Sheriff” as he sang with bands in Milano, J Cody’s in Bryan and karaoke at Chriesman.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Doris; three brothers, Herschel, Aubrey and Harold; three sisters, Thelma Adams, Maybeth Bishop-Young and Joyce Greensage.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Jeanie Price and husband, Johnny; his son, Dexter Barber and wife, Linda; a brother, Royce Barber; a sister, Mary Spitzenberger; two sisters-in-law, Dolores Barber, and Doll Barber; grandchildren, Patty Lynn Vychopen and husband, Joey, Johnny Price Jr. and wife, Jennifer, Derek Barber and wife, Laura, Landon Lupfer and wife, Claire, and Jacob Lupfer and wife, Josey; great-grandchildren, Trey Vychopen and wife, Amanda, Robert Vychopen and wife, Taylor, Taylor Ofczarzak and husband, Scott, Johnny Price III and wife, Hannah, and Jake Barber; greatgreat- grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan and Logan Vychopen, Jackson and Price Ofczarzak, Presley Lupfer, and Bradlie Vychopen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Derek Barber, Scott Ofczarzak, Robert Vychopen, Trey Vychopen, Landon Lupfer, and Bubba Price. Honorary pallbearers will be the J. D. Watson’s Sunday School Class at the First Baptist Church Caldwell.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials in his name to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, Texas 77803; First Baptist Church of Caldwell, 300 S. Thomas St., Caldwell, Texas 77836; or Warren Masonic Lodge Number 56, 213 W. Buck St., Caldwell, Texas 77836.
Express condolences at phillipsandluckey. com.
Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home
404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232