Fred Barber Jr.

Fred Lee Barber Jr., age 81, went  to be with Jesus December 31, 2020.  He was  born June 4, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio to Fred and Ethel Barber and had 2 sisters, Marlyn and Carroll. 

Fred has an amazing story of resilience and survival.  He was very ill as a child, so in1948 the family moved from Ohio to Arizona so his health would improve. Fred’s doctor said he most likely wouldn’t make it through childhood, but being the positive person that he was and also a fighter, he made it to the great age of 81. 

After Fred finished school, he went on to work at the family business in Phoenix, Reliable Service Air Conditioning and Heating.

In 1952, he and his sisters were in a tragic car accident. During this event, he was able to untangle his sisters and niece and nephews from the car, which had critical injuries, from the wreckage all while having a broken arm himself. He was a hero. In later years, Fred got to be an uncle, great uncle and even great-great uncle, which he just loved.  He was a very loved and admired man with a great happiness that is unexplainable. Fred had a kindness and care for others that was like none other which was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Fred had endless stories of his youth and family which he reveled in telling. We will miss those big bear hugs and kind laughter.  Fred is survived by his niece, Lisa Zetterlof, great niece Lindsay McElfresh, great nephews: Jason McElfresh, Jarrod Zetterlof, Eric Zetterlof and great-great nephew and niece.  He is preceded in death by his father, mother and 2 sisters.