J. Robert Barber

J. Robert Barber August 22, 1922 – January 17, 2011 J. Robert Barber, 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2011 with his beloved wife Thera and his son Richard at his bedside. Known from Oregon to Arkansas as Bob Barber, he was regarded as one of the finest choral directors at the high school, college and adult levels. Bob was a choral director for 67 years and an educator for 38 years, beginning at Portland Christian High School in Portland, Oregon where he served as principal, basketball coach and choir director. During his career in education, he also taught at Sam Barlow High School in Oregon where his concert choir won a nationwide competition and represented the Untied States in Austria. Bob completed his teaching career at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife Ramona Elaine Blume in 1986. He subsequently married Thera Smith and moved to her hometown of Siloam Springs, Arkansas in 1994 where he founded the Chorale of the Ozarks. He served his Lord as Minister of Music at Gentry First Baptist Church, First Christian Church of Siloam Springs, and currently Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Siloam Springs. Whether through coaching, teaching or directing, Bob Barber spent his lifetime helping students and adults alike reach their maximum potential. He was most proud when he was able to lead a person to know his personal savior, Jesus Christ. He touched and affected countless lives, both young and old, during his 88 years on earth and will never be forgotten. Born in Mitchell, South Dakota in 1922, he is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years Thera Smith Barber and his son Richard Barber (Beverly) of Lake of the Pines in Auburn, California. Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Siloam Springs on Saturday, January 22, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Portland Christian School, Attention Portland Christian High School, 12425 NE San Rafael Street, Portland, Ore. 97230.