Harold Wells Barber stepped into the arms of his Savior on Thursday night, September 15, 2011, with Mary, his wife of almost 70 years, and his children by his side.

Harold was born April 23, 1919 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi to parents Jordan and Theodocia Willis Barber.

Harold's brothers were Astor, Willis, Taylor and Clark Barber and his sister was Mary Jane Barber Martin.

He grew up in and around Wesson, Mississippi. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class, then graduated with honors with an engineering degree from Oklahoma A&M University in 1941. He was a member of Pi Tau Sigma, Sigma Tau, and Phi Kappa Phi, honorary fraternities at Oklahoma A&M University.

While in college, he met his "cute little auburn-haired girl" named Mary Elizabeth Gooch, and they married January 25, 1942.

He began his lifelong career with Phillips Petroleum as a mechanical and chemical engineer in Borger, Texas two days after his wedding. In October of 1943, Harold, Mary and their new son, Bill, were transferred to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where he spent his working career, other than a 4 1/2 year stint in Odessa, Texas.

Two daughters, Karen Ruth and Mary Beth, were born in Bartlesville where the family grew and flourished. Karen married Charles Storm and provided Harold with three beloved grandsons, Matthew, Jay and Carl.

Mary Beth married Dave Johns and they have three children, also dearly loved by their grandad, Nathan, Robert and Rebekah.

After this, the great grandchildren began to come. Matthew and Karla have Emily. Jay and Erica have Chandler and Gracyn. Carl and Carrie have Lydia, Molly, William and Grady. Rob and Mandi have Owen; and Rebekah and Baker Galloway have Cub.

There is so much more to be said about a life well-lived by a man who was devoted to his God, his family, and his work. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church for almost 50 years, was involved in civic activities and organizations, made beautiful pieces of furniture and other wooden objects as a hobby, and never forgot his love for his siblings, their mates and his many nieces and nephews.

He was also quite involved with Oklahoma Baptist University and Baptist Children's Home of Oklahoma. Family and friends remember these things about him and will treasure those memories forever.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and his son, William H. Barber.

Harold's memorial service will be at First Baptist Church on Sunday, September 18 at 2:30 p.m., followed by a family graveside service on Monday in Stroud, Oklahoma.

A fund has been set up for memorial donations to Oklahoma Baptist Children's Home, 12700 East 76th Street North, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055.

Burial will follow in the Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.