Adam Clark Barber's Obituary
Adam Clark Barber, 54, of Lehi, Utah, passed away at home after a brave 10-month fight with pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born in Oakland, CA to William “Bill” James Barber Jr. and Bonnie Joyce Ahlstrom. Adam’s childhood in California spurred a lifelong love for Mickey Mouse and the LA Dodgers; he loved building traditions with his family in Disneyland and watching baseball games.
Adam's love for God and country drew him to enlist in the United States Air Force which he saw as an opportunity to contribute to a cause greater than himself, and to protect the freedoms and values he held dear. Adam who was known as “Papa Bear” while he served, ranked as a MSgt. (ret) in the 419th Fighter Wing Security Forces at Hill Air Force Base and cherished the camaraderie forged during his service and after his retirement. These shared experiences, both challenging and triumphant, remained with him for the rest of his life. He believed in the instilled values of – integrity first, service before self, and excellence– and carried these with him throughout his life, including in his personal relationships and endeavors. This holds true for his later position as an area manager at Jimmy Johns where he learned from the very best and continued to be a strong and compassionate leader.
Adam met the love of his life, Tammy, and the two were married June 6, 2014. Adam’s love for his wife was an extraordinary testament to the depth of his heart and Tammy was his unwavering rock, standing by him through some of his toughest battles. Adam found solace and strength in her presence, as she was his pillar of constant support, love, care, and comfort. They had a cheeky relationship and were always bantering back and forth, and traveled whenever they could. Their connection was a bond unbroken and spoke to the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.
Adam has nine beloved children, six from previous marriages McCall, Megan (Steve), Jaxon, Adam, Taylor, and Rylee as well as Tammy’s three children Dan, Kellie (Barry), and Khody. Adam also has seven treasured grandchildren Mia, Belle, Ashton, Micah, Ruby, Brinley, and McKenna and loved being their “Gpops” and even had that title as his car’s license plate. He always had a dad-joke at the ready and taught the kids to dish it back as quickly as he served it. Adam also had two feline furbabies, Rexie and Siouxsie who loved him and were his companions and nurses through the highs and lows, and they too have felt the heaviness of the loss and are heartbroken.
Adam Barber was part of a robust family, blessed with 26 siblings. Marc, Meri, Teresa, Elaine, Rebekah, Deborah, Josh, James, Amy, Kate, Grace, Clorissa, Adelle, Brad, Emmalee, Rachelle, Jill, Chris, Lisa, Sarah, Jake, Ruth, Eliza, Abigail, Samuel, and Thomas. Their family ties are a tribute to love, unity, and resilience, that will forever be a cherished part of Adam's legacy. He was preceded in death by his father William James Barber Jr., mother Bonnie Joyce Barber, brother Marc Barber, sister Teresa Kunz and his beloved grandparents.
Adam will always be remembered for his love and sense of humor and will be missed dearly. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 1801 West 700 South, Lehi, Utah 84043. The viewing will be Tuesday October 17th at 6:00 – 8:00 pm with a short viewing held the following day October 18th at 9:30 – 10:30 am (family prayer promptly at 10:45 am). Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am followed by graveside services taking place at Utah Veterans Memorial Park.
What’s your fondest memory of Adam?
What’s a lesson you learned from Adam?
Share a story where Adam's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Adam you’ll never forget.
How did Adam make you smile?
