Bobbie Joe Barber, 74, a resident of Morehouse, died Saturday at his friend's home in Sikeston. He was born October 5, 1940 in Charter Oak to the late Charles Issac and Stella Mae (Stepp) Barber. He was a resident of the Charter Oak and Morehouse area most of his life and was a graduate of Gray Ridge High School; he was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam Era and was a long time member of the American Legion Henry Meldrum Post in Sikeston. He was a retired farmer and employee of Himmelberger-Harrison & Rowe Furniture in Morehouse and was named Employee of the Year 5 times. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Morehouse.
He is survived by his companion, Pauline Ward of Sikeston, 2 step-daughters, Bobbie Jo and Kevin Abernathy and Elizabeth Ward all of Sikeston; 2 brothers, James Barber of Essex and Gerald Barber of Dexter; 1 sister, Avis Hupp of Sikeston; 2 grandchildren, Ethan & JoAnn Abernathy of Sikeston and a host of nieces and nephews. Four brothers preceded him in death.
Visitation will be at Blanchard Funeral Chapel from 5 until 8 pm Tuesday, Nov. 4; funeral Services will be at First Baptist Church of Morehouse at 10:30 am Wednesday with Rev. Randy Conn, the pastor officiating. Burial will follow at Essex Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dale Graham, Donnie Benthol, Brett Williamson, Kevin Evans, Marty Young, Terry Hupp, Donald Hupp and Neil Barber; and Gene Abbott will be an honorary pallbearer. Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com.