Staff Sergeant Robert Charles Barber (USMC Ret.)Robert "Bob" Charles Barber died peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, March 31, 2017 in Pensacola at the age of 78.A lifelong resident of Pensacola, Bob was born on July 2, 1938 to WWII veteran and local jazz musician Donald Paul Barber (US Navy, Retired) and Marie McNeil Barber. With an early interest in architecture and engineering, Bob helped fund his tuition at Catholic High School by providing cleaning services for the school. As his family's first generation to attend college, he was quietly proud of his University of Miami education.Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and developing skills in aircraft engineering and operations. Following training at Camp LeJeune, Bob's active duty service included tours in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. Bob continued in USMC Reserves after active duty, and worked as a civil contractor on tasks including operations maintenance at Eglin AFB for the Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawk crafts.His commitment to service extended to long-time engagement with the Knights of Columbus; and volunteer work with Santa Rosa Search and Rescue and the National Aviation Museum. Bob's family and friends will deeply miss his fierce loyalty and kindness; his subtle but effective humor; and his living demonstration of dedication, compassion, and fidelity.His loving wife of 49 years, Shirley Catherine Barber; his four daughters, Sherri Lynn Barber, Deborah Ann Price, Katherine Rachel Lawson, and Teresa Marie Barber; his younger sister, Marie Jeanette Steele; his sons-in-law; and five grandchildren survive him.The family appreciates your kind remembrances, and asks contributions be made to Knights of Columbus at St. Ann's Catholic Church ( www.stanngulfbreeze.org/knights-of-columbus), or Covenant Hospice in lieu of flowers. Public memorial will be held April 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze; followed by a family service at Barrancas National Cemetery with full USMC military honors.Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits