Thomas D. Barber

Thomas D’lesandro Barber (Tommy) found eternal peace on October 6, 2021. He was the son of the late Mildred and Ford Barber. Tommy entered this world on February 5, 1948, raised by his parents in Baltimore, Maryland. In his early childhood he battled polio. He was admitted to Kernan Hospital where he lived until he overcame the crippling effects of polio. His loving parents visited him often bringing various craft items to him, while his siblings watched from afar. So, Tommy at a young age learn to use his hands to master the art of wood works, painting, and leather works. He didn’t allow his condition to dictate his outcome in life. Tommy attended Baltimore City Public Schools. Tommy enlisted into the army August 21, 1968, and served until, December 2, 1987. While stationed in Alaska, he received his High School Diploma from the Alaska State Department of Education. Other military recognition awards included National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, NCO Professional Ribbon, Commendation Medal and Army Lapel Button. As part of his military service, he was stationed both abroad and in the states. The notable places for him were Germany, Korea, Vietnam, and Alaska. Tommy was a very sociable person. No matter where he was located, he graced the lives of people of all kinds with his charm, sense of humor and outgoing personality. In 1979, while still in the military, Tommy became a member of the Freemasons. Tommy was not only a military enlistee, he, became a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather. He is survived by his three sons Antonio Lonesome (Big Tony), Antonio Barber (Liittle Tony), and Damien Barber. Grandfather to sixteen: Taavone, Janay, Zina, Stephone, Tayla, Davonte, Angelique, Dachelle, Tyrique, Tayler, Trejan, Christian, Jasmine, Davian, Adrian, Bianca, and Great grandfather to ten. Part of his treasured family included his forever best friend, his dog Tango who recently passed. Tommy and Tango were inseparable. Tommy will be remembered by many in the Clifton Avenue community for his teamwork in keeping the area safe, and clean. He enjoyed sitting outside with his close friends Mike, Preston, Ali, Valerie, and Tonya fraternizing and listening to his music that you could hear down the block. He loved his music. He had a passion for rhythm and blues especially the soulful sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire, Switch (DE Barge), The Delfonics, Stevie Wonder and the Isley Brothers. His other love was pampering his plants, one might say Tommy had a green thumb. His other interest was decorating, which he got from his mom. Tommy loved his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He enjoyed family gatherings and telling stories from his past and making people laugh. He particularly liked visiting his Sister Von and her children on the Eastern Shore, where he briefly resided. In addition to his three sons he is survived by four siblings Lawrence Barber (Beverly), Tonimaria Richardson, Daryldenise Barber Chambers, Billy West (Delores) and LaVonne Massey (Enos), fifteen nieces and nephews Michelle Barber Pollard, Miles Bellamy, Dante Daniels (Candes) , Jasen Richardson, Brian Richardson (Nikki), Bradford West, Shanique Broughton (Thomas) Shannon Hill, Shana Lamontagne (Gregory), Marcus Flamer, Robert Brown (Connie), Azur Long (Adrena), James Staton III (Kelsey), Michelle Massey (Mylez), and Angel Massey. Along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, great and great-great nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly. Tommy summed up his life in his own words, “I lived a great life, I’ve seen a lot and I’ve done a lot. So, when the lord calls me home, I’m ok with it.”

Tributes

Thomas D. Barber

February 5, 1948 - October 6, 2021