Obituary of CMDCM Robert E. Barber, USN (ret)

Robert “Bob” Eugene Barber, 56, of San Diego, California died peacefully surrounded by his family following a valiant 2 ½ year battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Modesto, California to Dale and Linda Barber.  He spent his childhood moving frequently due to his Father’s job in the U.S. Navy and then follow-on specialty job.  The family’s moves took them on many adventures making friends along the way.  Their final move was to Vicksburg, Mississippi where he graduated from Warren Central High School in 1982.   

Bob attended college for a short period before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves where he spent 2 years before joining the U.S. Navy in 1987. Upon completing basic training, he attended Signalman “A” School and reported to the USS LONG BEACH (CGN9). He went on to serve onboard the USS CHANDLER (DDG996), USS CONSTANT (MSO427), USS JUNEAU (LPD10), USS MUSTIN (DDG89), USS BOXER (LHD4), USS NIMITZ (CVN68), and USS PELELIU (LHA5). Additionally he served at Naval Leadership Training Unit Coronado, and Beachmaster Unit One. Bob finished his 30-year career as the Command Master Chief, on USS GREENBAY (LPD20) in Sasebo, Japan. Bob was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

Bob loved spending time at home, watching movies, and playing Xbox! One of his favorite things was sharing his movie critiques with family and friends.  After retiring he planned trips every year to take him on adventures to see new places while visiting family and friends along the way. A stop he made every year was to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife of 11 years, Melissa Barber, his children: Hayes Barber, Carissa Caldwell, and Hailee Peters. His grandchildren: Kiley, Keaton, Korbin, Kinlee, and Emery.  His father, Dale E. Barber and his sister, Valerie L. Wright.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, May 27^th, 2021 at 3pm at the Murphy Canyon Chapel located at 3200 Santo Road, San Diego, CA 92124. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at the Lakeside VFW located at 12650 Lindo Ln, Lakeside, CA 92040.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to continue Bob’s legacy of leadership and mentoring by asking that any donations be made to one of the following charities:

Enlisted Leadership Foundation                 www.enlistedleadershipfoundation.org

Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society     www.nmcrs.org