Patrick David Barber

Patrick David Barber of Colorado City, Texas passed away on July 29, 2011 in Abilene, Texas. A memorial service honoring his life will be held in the First Baptist Church of Colorado City at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. Arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Patrick David Barber was born to James Dellis Barber and Mary Viola Barber on May 16, 1946 in Colorado City, Texas. He graduated high school in Colorado City in 1964, received a B.A. in Art from the University of Texas in Austin in 1971, and a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Baylor University in Waco in 1976. He practiced law for 35 years, serving 10 years as a State Prosecutor. He passionately believed in the rights of the individual and was a steadfast defender of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. His "Just Say No to Searches" sign provoked both controversy and a wide range of support. In 1951, as a child, he was commissioned a Junior Texas Ranger, which he believed was an event that helped shape his life. One of his favorite heroes was Captain W. J. McDonald, the Texas Ranger who said, "One riot, one Ranger." Pat was married to Sharon Stuver Barber on November 19, 1966. He was a compassionate man who loved his family and friends. He was a complex, creative thinker who lived simply but gave richly of himself. Pat was a member of the Texas State Bar and the Permian Basin Outing Club, and a past member of the Colorado City Jaycees and Kiwanis Club. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, James Dellis Barber and Mary Viola Barber, and one brother, James Allen Barber. Pat is survived by his wife, Sharon Barber, two children, Austin David Barber of Colorado City, and Rhonda Sue Barber of Canyon; four brothers, Thomas John Barber of Westminster Colorado, Daniel Lyndon Barber of Austin, Gene Allen Barber of Big Spring, and J.D. Barber of Colorado City; two sisters, Barbara Barber Darnall of Abilene and Shelly Barber of Pflugerville; and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Sibley Nature Center in Midland, Texas, or to the donor's favorite charity.