Chester Lee Barber

Chester L. Barber, 86, returned to his heavenly home on April 11, 2020. He was born on May 11, 1933, to David L. Barber and Lutie Jones Barber Taylor. Cora Barber, stepmother, helped raise him as well. Surviving Chester is his wife, Madeline Simpson Barber of Searcy that he lovingly called his “red head.” They were married on December 25, 1955. Also surviving are his children, Chester L. Barber, Jr (Roxie) of DeQueen Arkansas, Christopher G. Barber (Karen) of St. Louis, Missouri, Andrea Kay Higginbotham (Byron) of Searcy, Arkansas, Teresa Anne Treat (Greg) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandchildren, Elee Coleman (Scott) Torrey Barber, CJ Barber, Addie Barber, Rachel Barber, Stephanie Williams, Josh Higginbotham (Leslie),Wayne Higginbotham, Jack Treat, Maddie Treat; great-grandchildren, Chastin Reed, Channing Williams, Caden, Carver and Olivia Higginbotham. While Chester was a lifelong learner, he chose many opportunities to grow as well as serve his Savior and Country. He was a member of West Side Church of Christ for almost 50 years. He began serving in the Navy at the age of 17 during the Korean War. While serving in this war he injured his back. He also served in the Air Force for a total of 12 years of service. He had many accomplishments throughout his life which is a testament to his hard work ethics. After serving his country, he went to Diesel Auto College in Nashville. Following graduation, he moved his family back to Searcy in 1963 where he began his mechanic career at Truman Baker Chevrolet. He later began putting his carpentry skills to work building cabinets at Wood-Freeman Lumber Company. He then worked for Samuel Bingham Company following his time at Wood Freeman. At the age of forty, he decided to return to school to get a degree. He graduated from UCA in 1978 with a BSE in Education and became a teacher in Industrial Education. Following his time teaching, he purchased his Mac Tool Business and worked this business until he retired. During retirement he opened Economy Casting and Pawn, also serving as a jeweler. Once he left this business, he carried on as a jeweler for other businesses. For the remainder of his retirement, he and his wife Madeline spent many years traveling, square dancing and enjoying their second home in South Texas. While in South Texas he continued his love of woodworking and spent many long hours building elaborate clocks and furniture. Chester will be missed as he served his family well for 64 years. He was a Christian Leader, husband, father, and PaPa to us all. He was dedicated to his family and will greatly be missed. Due to COVID-19, only graveside services will be held. There will be a private visitation for his immediate family members. Graveside funeral services will be held at White County Memorial Gardens at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 16, 2020, led by Fred Picker of West Side Church of Christ. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing guidelines will be observed. We want to thank Harding Place, Home Instead and Arkansas Hospice for the loving care provided. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to make memorial donations to disabled veterans. Go to www.dav.org or call 1-855-619-4376. Services are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home.

Chester Lee Barber

May 11, 1933 - April 11, 2020