August 2, 1939 – July 7, 2023
Kenneth Nathan Barber went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 7, 2023. Kenneth was born on August 2, 1939, in Mason, Texas, to Vera Higgins Watts, and was raised in Llano, Texas.
Kenneth’s life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to service and an adventurous spirit. He joined the United States Army as a mechanic, specializing in Crew Transport. For three years, he was stationed in Germany, where he contributed his skills and dedication.
After being released from Active Duty, he embarked on a memorable road trip across America on his motorcycle back home to his family in Llano, Texas. Shortly thereafter he reconnected with a remarkable woman from his past from Brownwood, Texas who became the love of his life. On June 25, 1970, he married Melba Barber, moved to Alvin, Texas and embraced their new family and life together. Nine months later, they joyfully completed their family. Together, they lovingly raised their children in their new little community of Alvin, Texas.
To those who knew him, Kenneth was affectionately known as Papa, a loving patriarch, and a cherished friend. His devotion to his beloved wife was unmatched, and he found immense joy in serving and caring for her every day. Their life together was full of love, joy and adventure.
Kenneth’s spiritual journey led him to Alvin Missionary Baptist Church, where he declared his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In August of 2013, he publicly professed his commitment through baptism. He cherished his fellowship with the church and the friends that became like family. He served faithfully for over 30 years as an electrical technician at NASA.
He just celebrated 50 years as a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 66. He retired in 2009 and this freed him up to enjoy everything he loved most. His time was filled with cherished moments with his family as well as tinkering around his home and yard. Everyone knew he would drop anything to lend a helping hand, he loved taking care of his friends and family. He generously utilized his electrical skills to wire new houses, add-ons, projects, and fix any problem, big or small. He enjoyed his big family that kept him busy! Kenneth enjoyed the great outdoors, whether it was fishing and hunting on his family’s leases, tending to his garden, or simply kicking up his feet in his happy place, “the back porch.” His face would light up whenever his grandchildren and great-grandchildren walked through the door, and he immediately sprang into action. He took great pride in serving them their favorite menu items they could only get from his kitchen. He never said no when they asked for seconds! His love extended not only to his family but also to his many cherished chihuahuas. Above all, Kenneth possessed a heart that overflowed with love, readily giving away whatever he had. He exemplified loyalty, love, and responsibility as a devoted family man who consistently cared for his own and countless others. He loved so well, leaving behind a beautiful and enduring legacy that will be deeply missed.
Kenneth Nathan Barber was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Vera Watts, his sister Jean Moore, his grandson Zachary Nathan Juelich, and one precious grandchild and great-grandchild in heaven. He leaves behind a grieving yet grateful family, including his devoted wife, Melba Jean Barber, his son Robert Juelich and wife Terry, his daughter Dee Lynn Kraft and husband Paul, his son Darrell Barber and wife Katie, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Sean Kraft and wife Kelly, Michael Kraft and wife Jenna, Justin Kraft and wife Carrie, Emily Kraft, Dima Kraft, Nikola Kraft, Christopher Juelich, Mandy Juelich-Erickson and husband Andy, Nathan Barber, Hannah Barber, Mary Barber, Luke Barber, and Jeremiah Barber. Additionally, he is survived by his adored great-grandchildren: Allie Jo, Hagen, Barrett, Abigail, Caleb, Daniel, Jace, Summer, Baby Robbie, with the anticipation of another precious one soon to arrive.
We invite all friends and family to join us for a time of visitation, commencing at 10:00 am on Friday, July 14, 2023, followed by a heartfelt celebration of Papa’s life at 11:00 am. The commemorative service will be held at Alvin Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Justin Gatlin officiating. Subsequently, we will lay Kenneth to rest at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, Texas. To honor Kenneth’s memory, his adored grandsons, Sean Kraft, Michael Kraft, Justin Kraft, Christopher Juelich, Nathan Barber, and Luke Barber, will serve as pallbearers, carrying him with reverence and love.
If you would like to send a card to the family, please use the following address: 1501 Queens Ln., Alvin, Texas 77511. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations by made to Alvin Missionary Baptist Church, the church family that was close to Kenneth’s heart.
