Michael Lawrence Barber of Brookland, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 46. He was born June 19, 1978, in Newport, the son of Stanley Hale Barber and Kitty Lou (Green).
Michael graduated from Newark High School in 1996, where he played basketball and baseball. With a remarkable talent for welding that he developed on his own, he dedicated his career to the construction industry, honing his skills in various projects. Michael was currently working at Nucor Steel, where he continued to apply his expertise and passion for metalwork.
He was a member of the Newark Church of Christ.
Michael was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also enjoyed watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals play.
Michael was a notorious jokester, known for his infectious laughter and ever-present smile. Whether he was cracking a joke or pulling a prank, his humor was contagious. Above all, he loved the time he spent with his family.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Hale Barber.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Victoria (Allen) Barber of the home; his mother, Kitty Lou (Green) Davis and husband, Tony, of Brookland; one son, Bailey Michael Barber and wife, Rebecca of Floral; three daughters, Hannah Nicole Tuggle and husband, Dakota, of Poughkeepsie, Haley Elizabeth Barber of Southside, and Bella Lou Barber of Brookland; one stepson, Landon Cade Woodall of Caraway; one step-daughter, Carlie Raeann Woodall of Jonesboro; one brother, Brian Barber and wife, Sandra, of Newark; six grandchildren, Blakely, Dawsyn, Darin, Beau, Hudson, and Oakley; three nieces, Jenna, Jordan, and Jaden; and a lifetime of friends.
Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Maple Springs Cemetery, with Mr. Jamie Joe Barber officiating. Friends may visit Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home on Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Taylor Barber, Bailey Barber, Rodney Griffin, Landon Woodall, Trey Crotts, Toby Barber, Adam Owens, and Cody Hackworth. Honorary pallbearers are Laddy Barber and Jason Barber.
