Obituary

Willis Lavern Barber

December 29, 1933 - March 24, 2023

Willis Lavern Barber, age 89 and a resident of Franklinton, passed away early Friday morning March 24, 2023 at Slidell Memorial Hospital. He was a longtime truck driver for different companies through the years. He later became the owner/operator of Barber’s Trucking. Willis was an excellent mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and trucks. He loved watching old Western movies and TV shows and enjoyed Beechnut chewing tobacco. Willis always loved fish fries and Bar-B-Ques while spending time with his large family.

Survived by: 4 Daughters: Patricia Barber, Kathy Jorene Sandifer, Marsha Dowse Knight, Philana G. Cassidy all of Franklinton; 3 Sons and Daughters in law: Travis L. and Linda Barber of Franklinton, Troy L. and Jackie Barber of Tylertown, Tracy L. and Marsha Barber of Albany; 25 Grandchildren; 46 Great-grandchildren; 5 Great-great-grandchildren; Sister in law: Margie Barber; Special Niece: Linda Reynolds; Also numerous other nieces, nephews and other family members

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Minnie Belle Athey Barber, daughter Joni M. Barber Sumrall, grandsons Derrick Sandifer, Timothy Phelps, Richard Holmes, Johnnie Barber, sons in law Daniel L. Phelps, Kenneth Sandifer, John Knight, parents Ira Barber and Gertrude Taylor Barber, 6 brothers, 3 sisters and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Monday March 27th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and after 10:00 am on Tuesday. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Tuesday with Rev. Mack McElveen and Rev. Kyle Johnson officiating with a eulogy by his son Tracy Barber. Burial will follow in the Morris Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Trevor Barber, Peyton Cassidy, Troy Barber, Jr., Yancy Holmes, Jacob Phelps, Charlie Barber, Roman Dowse, Chad Sandifer