
Mike was born on May 14, 1947 in Mena, Arkansas, where he lived most of his life. He spent the past year in North Little Rock, Arkansas, near his sister, Teresa.
Mike loved the outdoors and watching sports, especially the Razorbacks. Upon completing high school, he joined the US Marine Corps. During his time in the US Marine Corps he was recognized for “Heroic Achievement” while serving in Vietnam where he assisted with the injured and fought flames after an explosion of a 155mm Howitzer while being exposed to exploding ammunition.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Thell Barber; brother, Randy Barber; and grandparents, Buster and Villa Brown and Dora and Frank Barber.
He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Barber-Benoit of Niantic, CT; sons, Zach Barber of Bowling Green, KY, Jeff Barber of Bozeman, MT, granddaughters, Isabella Benoit and Tori Barber; sister, Teresa Barber Smith (Rickey) of Sherwood, AR; niece, Amanda Smith-Tran (Trung); great-niece, Maggie Tran of Carrollton, TX, and a host of cousins and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the Beasley Wood Chapel in Mena.
Contributions may be made to Hospice Home Care, 2200 South Bowman Rd, Little Rock, AR, 72211. A special thank you to Ms. Linda Huggins and Bro. Paul Holderfield for their visits and support in Mike’s last days.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
I always enjoyed visiting with Mike, he was my neighbor for a few years on Gann Street. We moved him many times over the years and found him to be a very entertaining friend. He will be missed but I’m glad his struggle is over as I know he had so much pain. Rest in peace.