Robert Michael Barber

Robert Michael Barber, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, passed away on May 15th, 2024 following an extended battle with kidney disease. The oldest of two children, Mike was born February 18th, 1947 to Bob and Ruby Barber in Oklahoma City.

Growing up in Oklahoma City, Mike attended Casady School where he lettered in football, soccer, and track. In addition to sports, his interests also included fast cars and electronics, even meticulously building his own stereo receiver from component parts.

After high school graduation, he headed to Atherton, CA to study at Menlo College. After one year, however, he began missing his high school sweetheart, Carla Lindsay, and returned home to attend the University of Oklahoma with her.  While at OU he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, where he met many friends with whom he remained close throughout his life.

Soon after graduating from OU with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance, he went to work for the family business, Langston’s Western Wear, making him the 3rd generation to do so. June of this year would have marked 60 years since he came to work at Langston’s. His keen business and financial skills helped lead the company through many challenges and evolutions. A highlight of his career was his work with the Main Street program, where he served on the planning commission to revitalize the Stockyards City district, returning it to its historic glory that you see today.

One of Mike’s greatest passions was traveling the world with his wife, Carla. Often traveling with friends, they embarked on countless adventures, usually on cruise ships to exotic ports of call. As a certified scuba diver, a diving excursion or two was often on the agenda. He always counted his dive to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia as his favorite. Other favorite trips included visits to New Zealand, Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, wildlife adventures in Africa, and braving the Drake passage to stand on the icy glaciers of Antarctica and watch the penguins in their native habitat. Together, they set foot on all 7 continents of the world.

When he wasn’t in the office or on the high seas, he would enjoy morning walks with their adored West Highland White Terriers, cheering on the Sooners, dinners with family and friends, and listening to a variety of music on his prized audio equipment. A respected businessman, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, Mike will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ruby Barber, and his son Michael Todd Barber. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carla Lindsay Barber; son Robert Brian Barber and Caroline Cohenour; grandson Jack Michael Barber; sister Patti West and husband Bob; sister-in-law Cindy Harper and Jerry McColloum and daughter Heather; brother-in-law Glen Lindsay and wife Brenda; nephew Kristian Brown and children Mia and Bailey; nephew Eric West and wife Sarah and children James, Lainey and Lucy; nephew Kyle West and wife Emmy and son Miles; and niece Alyssa Lindsay and daughter Autumn.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 or Free-to-Live Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 5884 Edmond, Oklahoma 73083.