Jerry L. Barber

Jerry was born on October 24, 1959, in Clinton, Indiana, to William Bert and Phoebe Olive (Gill) Barber. He spent his childhood growing up in California, where his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were evident from a young age. Jerry graduated from Carson High School in Carson, California, in 1978. While still in high school, at just 17 years old, he opened his first dry-cleaning business, Jerry’s Cleaners, earning COE credits with the help and support of his mother. He went on to open and operate multiple dry-cleaning businesses throughout Torrance, Carson, Northridge, Montclair, and Claremont, California.

In 1991, Jerry retired from the dry-cleaning industry and moved to Rocheport, Missouri, where he began a new chapter of life. There, he opened Barber Rabbit Barn, a commercial rabbit operation housing over 2,500 rabbits, and also owned and operated Total Lawn Care. Jerry was never one to sit still, if there was work to be done, he was doing it.

In 1995, Jerry began a career with the Missouri Department of Corrections at the Boonville Department of Corrections. He transferred to the Fulton Department of Corrections, where his dedication and professionalism led to a promotion to Sergeant in 1997. Jerry retired in 2017 as a Lieutenant, earning the respect of coworkers and supervisors alike through his honesty, strong leadership, and steady character.

On March 22, 1981, Jerry married the love of his life, Lynn D. Meadows, in Paramount, California. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Jerry first met Lynn in 1973 while they were in high school. She was one of his sister’s best friends, and although they lost touch after graduation, fate had other plans. Five years later, Lynn traveled to California to visit the Barber family, and it was during that visit that she and Jerry reconnected. What began as a reunion soon blossomed into a lifelong love story.

They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica, who became the pride and joy of his life. Among Jerry’s proudest moments were the days his daughters were born and watching Jennifer graduate from Air Force basic training—milestones that filled his heart with immeasurable pride and happiness.

Jerry was a true handyman; there was very little he couldn’t fix. He was humble and never one to brag, a quiet man with a dry sense of humor and a talent for joking at just the right moment. He loved hunting, fishing, metal detecting, and working on cars, especially his cherished Chevy Corvette convertible. Above all, Jerry loved his family deeply and took great pride in being a husband, father, and Pa Pa.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lynn Barber of Rocheport, Missouri; his daughters, Jennifer Rose Denkler (Kyle) of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Jessica Megan Gerard of Columbia, Missouri; and his eight grandchildren, Blayne Ryan Walkenbach, Addyson Lynn Walkenbach, Jayden Nathaniel Smith, Hadley Rose Denkler, Carter Wayne Denkler, Landon Denkler, Holden Michael Gerard, and Emberley Quinn Gerard. He is also survived by his sister, Robin Lynn Horton of Wichita, Kansas; his brothers, Thomas Dean Barber of San Bernardino, California, and William Andrew Barber of Columbia, Missouri; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Bruce and Robert Barber.

Jerry will be remembered as an honest, hardworking, professional man, a loving husband, a devoted dad, and a proud Pa Pa. His quiet strength, steady presence, and deep love for his family will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family during visitation on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Locust Grove Church in Midway, Missouri. Services honoring and celebrating Jerry’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church.