Wilbert "Bob" T. Barber

Wilbert Thornal Barber was born on July 1, 1939, in Northport, Alabama, to the late Council Barber and Minnie Roland Barber. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised in a loving family where faith, family, and community were important parts of his life.

Wilbert accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized and attended Holly Springs Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama, where his faith journey began.

Those who knew Wilbert know that he answered to several names, each one reflecting a different chapter of his life and the many people whose lives he touched. In California, his family and friends affectionately called him “Bob Barber.” In Omaha, Nebraska, he became known as “Cowboy,” while his friends in Kansas lovingly called him “Willie.” To his family, he was simply Wilbert Uncle and Uncle Bob—a one-of-a-kind man who was impossible to forget. One of Wilbert’s favorites saying when we were going somewhere was Hubba! Hubba! Hubba!

In May 1957, Wilbert graduated from Tuscaloosa County Training High School in Northport, Alabama. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, California. His military service was an important part of his life and marked the beginning of his years on the West Coast.

After completing his service in the Navy, Wilbert made California his home. He settled in Los Angeles, where he worked as a bartender at several establishments in the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles. During his years in California, Wilbert built many friendships and memories that remained with him throughout his life.

In 1968, Wilbert married Carol Ann Williams. From this union, one daughter was born, Dietrich Denise Barber, and one granddaughter Norisha W. Curl. Wilbert and Carol shared a love of travel and became world travelers, creating memories and experiencing places and cultures together.

Eventually, Wilbert left California and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to be closer to his brother. Later, he made his way to Summerfield, Kansas, where he became known for his work grooming and caring for the outdoor spaces of those around him. Wilbert was a man who took pride in his work—and he was especially proud of being the only man in town with a riding lawn mower! His presence became a familiar and welcomed part of the Summerfield community.

When Wilbert began experiencing health challenges in 2020, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was lovingly cared for by his niece, Theresa Cox Kenney. In March 2025, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, to be with his sister, Frances Anders, where he spent his remaining days surrounded by family and love.

Wilbert departed this life having lived a full and memorable 87 years, leaving behind a legacy of family, friendship, service, travel, hard work, and unforgettable personality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie Roland Barber and Council Barber; and his siblings, John Barber, Marvin Barber, Council Barber Jr., Willie Dean Barber, Catherine Barber Jones, Lavenia Barber Roney, and Bennie Mae Barber Cox in addition his nephews, Melvin, Cox, Richard Cox, Aadil Jai, Michael Roney, Wilbert Cozera Roney, and his niece Linda Barber.

Wilbert leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Dietrich Denise Barber; granddaughter, Norisha W. Curl; sister, Frances Anders; nieces Gloria Dyan Cox Shelton, Theresa Cox Kenney, Sandra Vernea Cox, Sharon Denise Barber, Shirley Barber Kibble, and Stephine Anders: nephews: Lawrence Roney; nephew Daryl Anders; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He also leaves behind special friends and loved ones, including Pete (Stacy) Cloyed, John (Jessica) Fulton, Tammy Skalla, and the entire community of Summerfield, Kansas, who became an important part of his life and will remember him fondly.

Wilbert was never one to be described as ordinary. He had a stubborn personality, a quick wit, a “smart mouth,” and an unmistakable “I Did It My Way” attitude. He spoke his mind, lived life on his own terms, and left an impression wherever he went. Beneath that strong personality was a man who formed meaningful connections and was loved by many.

Whether you knew him as Wilbert, Bob, Cowboy, Watashi, Willie, Uncle or Mr. Wilbert, you knew there was only one of him. His stories, humor, determination, and unmistakable personality will live on in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We love you, Wilbert, Bob, Cowboy, Uncle, Watashi, and Willie Barber. You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123 (614-539-6166).

To leave a message of condolence for the Barber family, please visit the guestbook below.