Charles Richard Barber

Charles Richard Barber, Sr., affectionately called Charlie, was born on October 19, 1943, in Georgetown, Kentucky. He was the middle child and only son born to Charles Henry Barber and Emma Elizabeth Barber.

Education

Charles attended Scott County High School. While there he played on the basketball team. He was the first player of color to remain on the team all three years of high school until graduating in 1961. Charles also was on the track team. His trophies are on display at the current Scott County High School.

After graduating high school, Charles enlisted in the Army. He served two years on active duty and another two years in the Army National Guard. He received an honorable discharge in July 1968.

Career

In 1964, Charles started working in shipping and receiving at Square D in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1966, he had an opportunity to enter an apprentice program with Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan where he later became the first Black electrician foreman at the Chrysler Jefferson Avenue Plant. During his time as a foreman, he managed more than 40 employees.

With the professional expertise he’d gained, Charles gathered his family and moved to Las Vegas in 1974 where he formed his own business, Centrair Electric. Charles became certified as a Master Electrician and acquired his contractor’s license. He worked on large commercial projects in addition to providing residential service. In 2015, he formed Centrair Electric Corporation which offered solar solutions to clients. Charles operated both businesses until retirement in 2019.

Community Service

Charlie was initiated as an Elk in Detroit in 1966. He served as the Exalted Ruler of the lodge in Detroit. After relocating to Las Vegas, he affiliated with Paran Elks Lodge No. 1508, Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World in 2000. He served as the Exalted Ruler of Paran from 2001 until 2019. Under his leadership Paran worked with Civil Liberties, Beauty and Talent, and the different organizations within Elkdom. Paran worked with the Las Vegas Education Department to fund scholarships and offered a variety of children’s programs for the community. Under his leadership Paran grew its membership and increased its service. Prior to affiliating with Paran, Charles was affiliated with the Tommy J. Stanton Lodge 1735 I.B.P.O.E. of Las Vegas beginning in 1989. He became the Exalted Ruler of Tommy J. Stanton in 1994 and remained until 2000. While affiliated with Tommy J. Stanton, among other things, he started Homie’s Wrecking Crew with the Daughters of Tommy J. Stanton.

Charlie was a member of the Antlered Guard Department while affiliated with Tommy J. Stanton and Paran. Charlie was the Past Grand Exalted Ruler, which is the highest honor one can receive in Elkdom.

Charlie was a member of the Fraternity of Freemasonry during his time in Detroit. In Las Vegas he was a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.

Family and Friends

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his son Charles “Chuck” Richard Barber, Jr., sisters Sue Carol Francis Gilkey and Paula Kaye Cleveland, and his very dear cousin Evangelist Willam Randall “Bootsie” Thomas.

He was loved as “Daddy” by daughters Karen L. Barber and Cheryl E. James. He was cherished as “Pops” by bonus sons George “Pete” Taylor and Corey (Kimberly) Smiley. To his grandchildren Charles (Tara) Richard Barber III, Christiana (Troy) Spitzer, Colleen (Symone) Gaither Barber, Trayvion Barber, Jarryn (Emmaly) Barber, Carter James, and Chloe Barber he was “Grandpa”. His nephews and nieces, Terry Gilkey, Anita (Albert) Smith, Stephon (Raylette) Gilkey, Patrick Gilkey, Daryer (Darrell) Washington, and Darrin (Regina) Harris adored him as “Uncle Brother” and saw him as the inspiration to achieve success in their own lives. He is survived by six great grandchildren, numerous great nephews and nieces, cousins, and a myriad of loving friends including Nico Murray, Mary Wheaton, George Sims, Hattie Brown, Emma Colbert, Clint Henderson, and Marsha Hymon.

Charlie is also survived by Erica Jenkins, his soulmate, life-partner, and most recently, his caretaker.

Charles dedicated his life to the service of his country and to those he loved. If you had a need, he would see that the need was met. He inspired those around him to be better, to work harder, and to serve selflessly. This world and those who knew him are better because of the presence of Charles Richard Barber, Sr.

He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

A visitation for Charles will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101.