Fred Edward Barber

Fred Edward Barber

Fred Edward Barber, 92, Hays, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning, September 10, 2021 at HaysMed.  He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Fred was born to Edward and Sophia (Walker) Barber on February 13, 1929 in Logan, Kansas.  He was the youngest of seven children and was much loved by his older siblings.  Fred married the love of his life, Georgine Peters, on November 7, 1949, and together they raised three very loved children.

Fred had a passion for his work in the oil business.  He left high school to work on an oil rig in Graham County and spent the next 75 years in the oil fields of Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, eventually owning a successful wireline service company.  He was a bright man and a very hard worker who had the natural ability to get along with others.  He was a quiet, respectful leader with a solid sense of how to run a good business.  He continued to work until this past year when he finally decided he would retire and take life easy.

In addition to his passion for his work he also enjoyed raising cattle.  Although he only made it a “hobby,” he enjoyed pulling his pickup into the pasture and seeing the cows come running for the range cubes he kept in the back.  He always gave his cows treats, so if they got out of the pasture through a break in the fence, all he had to do was drive into the pasture and watch them come back through the break looking for range cubes.  He’d get the cow back and fix the fence until next time.  His good-natured care and compassion carried over into every aspect of his life.

Throughout his life and especially as a father and grandfather, Fred was also very patient and thoughtful.  The skills that made him a good manager also made him a good provider and caretaker of his family.  Fred valued the importance of education and supported his children and grandchildren in all their educational endeavors, taking great pride in his family and always encouraging them in any way he could.

Although Fred may be gone, his legacy of dedication, love and kindness will live on through his family and friends.

Fred is survived by his wife: Georgine of Hays, his children: Frederick Barber and wife Fran of Trophy Club, TX, Gloria Jones and husband David of Waterville, ME, and Louise Smith-Klitzke and husband Jason of Wilson Lake in Kansas, his six grandchildren: Kelly Rashada, Patrick Barber, Lauren Jones McKown, David Jones, Mallory Harshbarger, and Dakota Smith, and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until 7:00, with a vigil service at 6:00 pm, all on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A private family inurnment will be at a later date in Buchanan Cemetery, Graham County.  Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian High School.  Condolences and memories of Fred may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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