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Condolences:
Joshua Peter Barber
2020-11-04
Joshua P. Barber, age 16 went to heaven on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at UF Shands in Gainesville, Florida.
Joshua was born at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida on December 14, 2003 with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder throughout his body. Despite many physical limitations and having endured twenty six surgeries, he managed to live his life to the fullest. One of Joshua�s favorite activities was playing in the Fernandina Beach High School band. He was an accomplished percussionist in the marching band, symphony band and jazz band. He also sang and wrote songs. He was working on his third album when God called him home.
Joshua loved aviation. His dream was to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study aeronautical engineering and become either a FedEx pilot or a drone pilot. He received his student pilot�s license and flew the FBHS Diamond Katana DA20 aircraft. Joshua spent most of his free time designing flying machines using the Kerbal Space Program 2.
Joshua was a light in many people�s lives. He was genuinely interested in those around him and he could converse intelligently with anyone, regardless of age or topic. He was blessed to have a close group of friends who looked past his physical disability and supported him in every way possible. He loved them all very much.
He leaves behind his parents, Mark and Josie Barber; his brothers, Dan Barber of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Matt Barber of Miami, Florida.
Services to celebrate Joshua�s life will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2020 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, 1305 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.
His farewell viewing will be from 11:00 am until the hour of service followed by a special prayer service at 1:00 pm.
Please join us for a reception after the service at Oxley-Heard.
Due to Covid-19, the family requests that masks be worn and that people practice safe and respectful distancing.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Joshua�s name to the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation at www.loeysdietz.org.
Memories
SHERYL CAUSEY November 4, 2020
Josie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Josh. He was a delightful soul and you deserve honor for the manner in which you raised him. You gave your best and it was obvious to all. Praying for you all.
RICAKYE WRIGHT November 4, 2020
Professor B, I am truly sorry for the loss of your son and I pray for and your family in this hard time.
ANTHONY THRIFT November 4, 2020
Prayers for you and your family in this hard time Professor B.
SUSAN BRADLEY November 4, 2020
Josh had such a kind soul and gentle spirit. At the same time, his �can do� attitude and at times competitive eagerness almost made one forget that he had and continued to face challenges so far outside the reality of most kids his age. Josh was born special in so many ways, but without the mentoring from his parents which helped him know he should expect to succeed at anything as long as he did his best, he might have led a much different life. I have always felt blessed to have known Josh. I am quite certain that he taught me more than I taught him!
JOE, LYNNA KAY, AND LOGAN PARKER November 5, 2020
Josh had such an enthusiastic spirit in everything he did. We loved watching him perform with the band. He will be deeply missed and our hearts grieve with you. Praying for your family and friends and the MMP.
DIANNE FEBLES November 5, 2020
My heart is saddened for your tremendous loss. Josh was an inspiration to all. From the time I first met Josh, your loving devotion to guiding him and demonstrating your pride in his accomplishments had my admiration. His rock collecting and curiosity in nature made him very special to me. May the recordings of his wonderful singing voice bring you comfort in the very difficult days ahead. He will be missed. Peace.
LORRIE REZENDES November 5, 2020
Joshua was a gift from God and I am glad I met him and saw his love for life and how talented and kind he was and I know he touched so many lives. My prayers and thoughts are with you now and forever as I know how much you will always miss him. I know he is in heaven and if he could he would reach down and give you guys a hug and tell you he is happy and at peace.
MIRIAM LEE November 5, 2020
Josh was such a special kid in many aspects of his life. Like those posting before, he taught me more than I could have ever taught him. He never gave up on anything and always had a smile and a joke every day. No matter what the pain or stress he was facing, he lived every day to his fullest. Josie and dad, you are the most amazing parents and I look up to you both and will be praying for all of you. I got to talk to Josh at the beginning of the summer to catch up and I will forever cherish those last words.
DANIEL MURPHY November 6, 2020
Professor, I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts in this hard time. God bless you and your family.
CONSTANCE CHANEY-BROOKS November 8, 2020
I am so sorry for you and your family loss Professor, Praying God give you all strength through this difficult time
JACKIE BARNES RUSHTON November 9, 2020
My Heart felt Condolences to the Barber family, I�m so sorry to hear about the loss of Josh, Danny my heart breaks for you and your family, Just know I will keep y�all in my prayers and hold on to the great memories as a Family. Mrs. Barber as a Mother that also lost a Son this year know that my prayer that the loving arms of comfort are wrapped around you. RIP Josh and God Bless
SHEILA LYNN November 10, 2020
May comfort and peace be with you during this difficult. My prayers are with your family.
PRUDENCE D HOSTETTER November 10, 2020
I met Josh as he accepted a spot at NFA last year. What a wonderful smile. We talked about ERAU, as my son graduated from the school. My thought are with your family as no parent should lose their child.
CRYSTAL CRAIG November 13, 2020
What a beautiful and precious child. Every time I saw him he was always so polite and smiling. I am absolutely devastated for your loss and I am so sorry.
SUSAN GOSSETT November 13, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Josh was with us for beautiful reasons. He touched so many hearts with his positive and loving actions and words. We are all better for having had Josh in our lives. He certainly left a beautiful impression in my world. He is gone much too soon and will be missed. May all your wonderful memories help you find peace.