Dr. Phillip Barling

Dr. Phillip Wayne Barling of Fort Smith, AR, passed away on May 13, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Aaron F. Barling (born 1928, in Fort Smith) and his mother, Nell Bruner Barling (born 1930 in Bay, AR). Left to cherish his beloved memory is his wife of 44 years, Louise; his five children Candace (Clay) York of Fort Smith, Aaron A. Barling of Fort Smith, Ben (Sarah) Barling of London, England, Andrew Barling of Fort Smith, and Hannah Barling of Dallas. Phil is also survived by eight grandchildren, Elijah York, Greyson Phillip York, Finn Barling, Frances Barling, Jackson Barling, Zarina Barling, Adam Barling, and Alissa Barling, along with one great-grandchild, Henry Phillip Cole York. He is also survived by brothers Glen Mark Barling of Arlington, TX, and Paul Barling of Fort Smith.

Phil was born May 15th, 1951, in Fort Smith, AR, and spent his childhood as a pastor’s son living in several small towns across Arkansas and Texas, and attended high school in Fayetteville, AR. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s degree and earned both a Master’s and Doctorate in Psychology from St. Louis University. Phil and Louise married in 1980 and lived in Memphis for a few years before settling in Fort Smith.

Throughout his life, Phil was highly regarded as a compassionate and encouraging person. Known as Dr. Barling by many, he was the co-founder and partner of Clinical Psychology of Fort Smith for more than 40 years, with services including psychotherapy, consultations, court testimonies, supervision, and teaching. He also performed numerous duties on behalf of his membership with the Arkansas Psychological Association.

Phil was also an active member of the community in other ways, including President and member of Christ the King Parish School Board and co-founder and first President of Fort Smith Express Soccer Club. “Coach Phil” invested 17 years of his life growing youth soccer in the area; fostering focus, grit, and the spirit of competition in boys and girls. During these years, many shared fond memories of road trips in “the van” for tournaments.

He loved music, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and meaningful conversations. Throughout it all, Phil proudly shared the ultimate highlight of his life was his family.

Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith on Friday, May 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be in the Chapel at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, May 17th, at 2 p.m., with burial service to follow at Oak Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Phil Barling to:

MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486, or mdanderson.org/gifts

or to the River Valley Regional Food Bank, 1617 South Zero St., Fort Smith, AR, 72901 or https://www.rvrfoodbank.org/donate/

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com