Captain Daryl Barber, or “Dene” to those who knew and loved him, had always had a heart of service. He was 56 years old at the time of his passing. Dene grew up around the fire station as a child because his father and brothers were in fire service for many years. He often spoke about the Sunday dinners at the fire station because his dad had to be there, and his whole family would gather around the table there and enjoy a meal. He had wonderful memories of this as an adult.

When he grew up and got married, he decided to go into the National Guard to serve his country. He did this for several years and enjoyed the comradery of being with his fellow soldiers and being in the medic field. Again, serving those around him.

After his time in the National Guard, he again decided to serve others by becoming a police officer in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he worked for approximately 10 years. He loved this work and always wanted to be the one who made a difference, working with area children by coaching baseball and softball while his children were young.

When he decided it was time to come home to Texas, he got into the Industrial world and worked for a contractor at BASF for over 11 years. It was during his time here that he decided to get back into the fire service.

When he moved to Brazoria, Texas, he joined the volunteer fire department, and he had many new brothers and family through this time. He worked closely with and loved all of the time he spent with the other firefighters in this small community. He was a firefighter with Brazoria Volunteer Fire Department for 7 ½ years. He could always be counted on to help with anything the fire department was involved in.

He passed on his legacy of service to his children. His oldest son became a career soldier in the U.S. Army, and his two other boys also served in the army and navy. His daughter became a nurse practitioner, serving her community as well.

He was a wonderful husband, father, papaw, and friend. If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many people in so many ways. There will never be another one. He was one of a kind, with a heart as big as Texas, and a love for everyone around him in the same way.

He will never be forgotten, as he is in the hearts of so many. He is a hero and will always be a hero.