Thomas Michael Barber

Thomas Michael Barber, 65 of Tempe, Arizona, passed away April 21, 2017. Tom was born May 5, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio to Norma and Bill Barber. Growing up in a military family, he grew up in 5 states: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, and then Arizona. He graduated in 1969 from Antonian Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas. At the age of 21, Tom was able to backpack across Europe. He attended Arizona State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Working together in Tempe, Arizona; Tom fell in love with his wife, Jennie Barber. Jennie and Tom loved to explore Chinese Restaurants; even though he always believed Jennie’s cooking was better. He loved to read and had a passion for history. Throughout the online era, he still had the newspaper delivered and truly enjoyed reading the paper each day. Most of all, he loved his family. Tom loved to get together during holidays and birthdays; especially to be with his grand kids.They were everything to him. He would always make time for them and never said “no” to his grandchildren: if they wanted to play, draw, or go places.

Tom is preceded in death by his mother Norma, father Bill Barber, sister Elaine, and brother Dale. He is survived by his beloved wife Jennie; daughter Heidy and son-in-law Jacob Lake; brother Jim and sister Susie Pederson; Grandchildren Anthony, Jaden, and Riley; Nieces Carly and Cassidy; and nephew Cooper.

A visitation in Tom’s honor will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Green Acres Chapel of Light (401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257). Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Green Acres Chapel of Light, followed by a Graveside Service at Green Acres Cemetery.

Everyone that has met Tom would mention what a quiet man he was. But when he spoke, he would speak proudly about his family and grand kids. He is the most “gentle soul” and we will miss him dearly.