Edward P. Barbee Jr.

Edward Perry Barbee Jr., 88, of Lubbock, Texas, died on Dec. 28, 2011, after a lengthy illness at his home. A private family graveside service will be conducted with military honors at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31st, in Resthaven Memorial with Rev Jimmy Allen officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home. Please join us in celebrating Edward's life by visiting his memorial at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Edward was born to Edward P. Barbee Sr. and Mable Blanche Phillips in Quanah, Texas on October 7, 1923.

Edward graduated from Ropesville High School in 1940 and attended Texas Tech University for two years before moving to California where he made his living working on shipping docks. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Army and served in the 186th Infantry Regiment in World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. During his distinguished service, he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Arrowhead, and the WWII Victory Medal. Upon his return home from the war, he returned to Ropesville and married his hometown girlfriend and love of his life, Mary Evelyn Means, on January 26, 1946.

Edward & Mary were involved in the Lubbock community throughout their lives, particularly in the enjoyment & promotion of square dancing. They were active at all office levels of the U.S. and State Federation of Square Dancing. Some call them the mother and father of Texas Square Dancing as we know it today. He was a lifetime member of the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club and the Lubbock Area Square and Round Dance Federation.

Edward worked many years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an inspector before retiring in 1988.

Edward is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Barbee of Lubbock, and his brother, Billie Barbee of Tucson, Arizona. Other survivors include three grandchildren: Amber Duty and husband Kevin of Round Rock, Texas, Kendall Barbee and wife Elaine of St. Charles, Missouri, and Mary McMillion of Woodruff, South Carolina; and four great-grandchildren: Brendan McMillion, Quinn Barbee, Max Barbee, and James Duty. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Evelyn Barbee, who died in April of 2008, as well as his son, James Edward “Eddie” Barbee, who died in April of 2010.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to his daily caregiver, Sherry Rylant, the exceptional caregivers at Accolade Home Healthcare, and Dr. Robert Ordonez & staff.