Arthur (AJ) Barber of Bay City Texas, passed away at age 74, at Matagorda General Hospital on April 17, 2014.

He was born in Pharr TX, on May 1st 1940, to Arthur & Ada Barber. He was raised on a farm and loved to work the land. One of his greatest joys was to drive the old Farmal tractor. AJ was a responsible son, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed outdoor hobbies like fishing, and gardening. AJ loved spending time with friends and family. He also loved to travel.

AJ served in the US Air Force as an Air-Crash Rescue fireman stationed in France, after returning from military service, he gave 33 years of service to the Texas Employment Commission (TEC). TEC promoted him and moved his family to Bay City in 1976, where he worked until his retirement. In his younger years, AJ was a member of the Bay City Lions Club, and various community organizations. He donated his time and energy to youth organizations like Little League Baseball, Boy Scouts of America, and Pee-Wee football.

AJ is survived by his mother Ada Grundwall of Alamo TX; his wife, Sylvia "Jo" Barber, of almost 51 years, one daughter, Cindi Mendez, of Sweeny; and three sons, Martin Barber of Seabrook TX; SSgt Marshall Barber of Fort Hood TX; and Darrell Barber of Dickenson TX. He is also survived by one sister, Grace Lewis of Ports Mansfield TX; and a total of nineteen grand and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Arthur Barber Sr.; and a half brother, William (Bill) Barber of California.

A celebration of AJ's life will be held between 10am to Noon on Saturday April 26th at the Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City TX for friends and family. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.