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" GySgt. John David Barber

United States Marine Corps Ret.



January 12, 1952 – May 11, 2023



John David Barber, 71, of Marshall Virginia passed away on May 11, 2023 from complications of heart and kidney failure. David was born in Danville, Virginia and is the son of Ellen Louise Barber and Reverend William Earl Barber. He is joining his brother William Steven Barber, his mother Ellen Louise Craw, and his father William Earl Barber in Heaven. David spent his childhood in Virginia and enjoyed summers spent with relatives in Georgia. He took an interest in music at an early age which followed him throughout his life. He attended college for three years before joining the United States Air Force Band. Soon after, he was accepted into the “Presidents Own” United States Marine Corps Chamber Orchestra. He served honorably from the end of the Nixon Presidency through to President Clinton’s Presidency and retired after 20 years. After the Marine Band, David taught himself Carpentry and built custom decks in Northern Virginia for several years until his Kidneys deteriorated to the point of needing Dialysis. He persevered through the challenges of Kidney disease and Dialysis for several years and continued working to support his family as an IT professional. In 2003, David was given a new lease on life in the form of a Kidney from his sister, Debbie. David retired soon after the Kidney transplant and enjoyed reading about the Civil War, Horse Racing, and playing the Cello recreationally. Family was very important to David and he took pride in watching his grandchildren grow and flourish. David was the best husband, father, and grandfather that anyone could ask for. His family was blessed to have him and David will be missed for eternity. He is survived by his Wife, Frances Eileen Barber ; His son’s, Thomas Emlyn Barber and wife Sarah, and Johnathan Larmon Barber and wife Shannan ; Four Grandchildren, Lily Elizabeth, Charlotte Grace, Johnathan Michael, Annabelle Shay ; Sister, Deborah Dietrich and husband Pete ; Niece, Shelly Marie Dietrich ; and Nephew, William Erich Dietrich and wife Jenny.



A memorial service will be held July 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Orlean United Methodist Church, 7029 Leed Manor Road, Orlean, VA.


In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Heart Foundation, Kidney Foundation, or Wounded Warrior Foundation.

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