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Thomas Barber Obituary

Thomas Allen Barber, 72, of Baton Rouge died Sunday, August 5, 2018 in the comfort of his home. Mr. Barber lived most of his life in Baton Rouge. He was a graduate of LaGrange High School, attained a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University and a Master degree in Philosophy from Louisiana State University. He taught many years at a magnet school in Baton Rouge and part-time at Louisiana State University. He was an avid LSU supporter and was very actively involved with countless student functions, campus organizations and assisted in founding a grant for students. During his younger years he was a Boy Scout and later became a volunteer. He always enjoyed fishing. Mr. Barber will be most remembered for his kindness, consideration and his sense of humor. He leaves to honor his memory, two sisters, Betty Jo Kerbow and husband Larry of Pasadena, TX and Cathy Barber Kirby of Lake Charles and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Allen Barber, Sr. and Martha Cooley Barber; one sister, Pat Barber Finney and one brother, Johnny Barber. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, August 10, 2018 at Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 630 West Prien Lake Road, Suite 107, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Published by The Advocate from Aug. 7 to Aug. 10, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Barber

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I was thinking about Mr. Barber today as I randomly recalled a Woods & Waters outing to Camp Avondale. I remember him being very engaging with students and a caring man. I hope he is in Heaven where I can see him again some day.

Jeff Tomlinson (BRHS class of 1993)

School

July 27, 2023

Tom and I were boyhood friends growing in Mobile Street in Lake Charles before I entered the Army for a full career. I have just learned of his death today and terribly saddened of his untimely demise. As teens, Tom and I joined the Explorer Scouts Troop 11 in Lake Charles and got to spend two weeks camping and hiking at Philmont National Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Experiences like this bonded us together and I fondly remember devoting hours together poring over our various mutual interests...architecture, cars, scout projects. A great friend and I am so saddened to learn of his loss. Rest in Peace dear Tom. W. R. Johnson, COL, USA (Retired)

Bill Johnson

Family

March 25, 2023

Thom, I just wanted to let you know that you are still in our thoughts. I miss our phone conversations that we used to have. I am so sorry things ended with you the way they did with your world being turned upside down by the flooding. I hope that you are now at peace.

Rick Hughes

Family

March 29, 2022

His impact in others' lives will be felt for years to come. May he be remembered for his wit, kindness, understanding, and intelligence. I feel so lucky to have learned from such a gracious teacher.

G P

Student

September 13, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you all seek God for comfort, peace, strength and support (2 Cor 1:3).

N L

August 23, 2018

Barber...thank you for showing me kindness and teaching me how to actually think. You believed in me even when I didn't and you saved my life more times than you will ever know. Thank you for doing what you were put on this Earth to do and I'm forever grateful for you. Rest now old friend and again thank you so so so much.

August 16, 2018

Thom Barber, a special man indeed. Like so many BRHS students I was blessed to have him as a teacher and mentor. He saw things in me that I didn't know were there nor fully understand. He challenged me to be honest with myself and others. Philosophy class in senior year was a special gift. He imparted to us the rules for life. He knew what awaited us outside the doors of BRHS. Some of us were still going to go out and stumble no matter what and he knew this. He also knew that while the truth might hurt, it never harms. He did all of this with a quick-witted sense of humor. I especially remember his block of instruction on the philosophy of non-sense. He used episodes of Fawlty Towers (John Cleese, pre-Monty Python) to get the point across. Then there was Woods and Waters. Words almost can't describe what a unique student group this was. A weekend spent camping with Mr. Barber along with other wonderful BRHS teachers (Ms. Parker, Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Melvin a.k.a Chief) was a special experience. It allowed us to spend time with our fellow classmates and teachers in a relaxed, fun, and safe environment. I will never forget mornings cooking in camp while Mr. Barber passed through sipping his coffee to see what his campers had going (the rule was you had to cook at least one meal on the trip). Mud fights, fishing, and campfires at the end of each day. These were special times.
Mr. Barber was a fisherman, an angler of the first order. He not only fished well but he did it with style. For Thom fishing was about enjoying the experience and keeping things simple. He used good tackle but preferred to fish small water on foot or with his small bateau that fit in the back of his pick-up. I remember him being a talented wood worker. He outfitted his pick-up with custom rod racks and carried a tackle box of his own design complete with brass handle and latches. He went about his fishing with an air of complete contentment. Mr.Barber taught me that fishing wasn't about catching, although that did happen sometimes. He simply enjoyed being outdoors. We fished together on occasion past high school. Thom showed me how to cast a fly rod for the first time and I never looked back. To this day I can't pick one up without thinking of him. I can picture him clearly. Rod in one hand, thermos of coffee in the other, ready for anything. An angler's angler. He was such a special man to so many people and impacted so many lives for the better. Rest well my friend. God Bless you and keep you.

Matt Wemple

August 15, 2018

Mr. Barber was my favorite teacher in all of my academic studies. He was thought provoking, humble and truly invested in his students. It saddens me to know that his humor and wisdom are no longer with us. My favorite joke of his was "My wife cut my hair last night....she's a Barber".

Eileen Hoff

Student

August 12, 2018

I was saddened to learn of the death of Thomas A. Barber. He was one of the best teachers I ever had the privilege of working with in my many years in public education. I hired Thom the second year of the magnet program at Baton Rouge High. Working together, we were able get two new courses, Philosophy and Ethics, which Thom wrote , approved by the State Department of Education and the East Baton Rouge School Board. Mr. Barber was a gifted teacher and a true asset to our faculty. His courses were electives, and were quite popular among our student body. His classes were close to capacity almost every semester. Mr. Barber was very passionate about his subject and instilled a thirst for knowledge and critical thinking in many of his students. Among his favorite philosophers were Plato, Aristotle, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Kant, Martin Buber and Sren Kierkegaard.
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances. Aristotle
Lee Faucette, Former Principal of Baton Rouge Magnet High School.

Lee Faucette

August 11, 2018

Wow.....isn't this the way we would all want to be remembered? This is an a testament to what kinda man he was. I wish I would have had the honor to know and meet him .

August 11, 2018

Thank you so very much for challenging us and teaching us to really truly think. The countless numbers of lives you positively impacted is simply astonishing. I hope every student has a Th-om! Eternal rest grant unto you!

Amy (Burson) Dowden

Student

August 11, 2018

Mr Barber was one of the most unapologetically honest people I have ever known, but he didn't owe you an apology, because everything he told you about yourself was true (even if you didn't realize it yet.) I grew up listening to my older sisters tell stories of his classes, of Woods and Waters field trips, of his humor and wit. By the time I made it to Baton Rouge High myself, he was a living legend. When I found myself unable to understand Logic despite his excellent tutelage, it was a blow to my spirit because I so very much wanted to experience this magic firsthand. He sat me down and very frankly told me that I probably would never grasp Logic, that my brain wasn't programmed to work with numbers and "if: then" statements, and he said it in a way that was not hurtful, but eye-opening. He really made me think about myself, who I was, and what I wanted out of life at an age where most kids aren't thinking beyond what they want to do with their friends that weekend. For that, I am forever grateful. Refusing to accept that I would not enjoy a full year with Mr Barber as my teacher, I opted for Philosophy my senior year, and finally experienced the magic I had sought. He wasn't just a good teacher - he was a friend and always made you feel welcomed and appreciated. He let me and my best friend "adopt" one of his many ducks, and always listened with a grin on his face when we regaled him with tales of Ducky's many adventures. I'm sure these stories were far from fascinating for a man of his intellect, but he listened nonetheless. That is a rare gift in a human being and one I have rarely encountered since then. You will be forever missed, loved, and even in death, a living legend - you live in on in all of the hearts of those who loved you.

Jane (Cannon) Schauer

August 10, 2018

Betty Jo, Cathy, Traci, ALL Barbers & Students of my Friend, THOM.

I was welcomed by Mr Barber as an LSU undergraduate Philosophy major in the fall of 1971. Mr Barber was in his final semesters and graduate assistant to the Chair. Mr Barber graded my Ancient & Medieval exams for Dr Edward Henderson and later my exams in Modern Philosophy. I learned more from his comments, than my own answers! Already, he was a favorite and sought after Tutor in Logic and the Empiricists. His competence with "the text" was simply awesome!! We seeking the Sophia of philosophy found a Person of Relationship, substance, encouragement, thinking and support. My friendship with Thom developed when I returned to Philosophy, 25 years later. Our Friendship endured until his peaceful departure to eternity. The outstanding tributes from His Students and ED Henderson are likewise my own. As many of you already know, Plato, Aristotle, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Kant, Martin Buber and Sren Kierkeggard were his Favorites. Indeed, Mr Barber makes us all proud, of Him!

Grateful for Our Relationship, Francis Landreaux; Austin, Texas

Francis Landreaux

Friend

August 10, 2018

Sincere condolences to the family for your great loss. May his legacy of love for learning and teaching others live on through each of you. May God comfort each of you during your time of mourning and beyond.

Juanita

August 10, 2018

Francis Landreaux

Friend

August 10, 2018

When I began my teaching career at Baton Rouge Magnet High School in fall 1993, there were many on that faculty that were inspirational and helped me find my way. Thomas Barber was one of those people. After I left the school and began working elsewhere, he would sometimes visit my home and we would talk for hours. I met my wife at BRMHS while I taught there and did not know he acted as her father in the absence of one at home. His impact on my life was powerful. Because of him, I am still teaching, now in my 26th year. I'd like to think he was proud of me. For now, I grieve. I love you, Thomas Barber. Forever Bulldogs. Rest in peace.
Dean Caputa-Lee Magnet High School
Baton Rouge

Dean Caputa

August 10, 2018

Though not biological, Mr Barber had hundreds of children. All the young lives he touched and impacted for good - some of whom were my kids - are Barber kids. The world needs more gifted caring teachers like him. Condolences to the family.

Barbara Keller

Acquaintance

August 10, 2018

Mr. Barber was one of the most talented teachers I have had. Junior year of high school (20+ years ago), in his logic class I began connecting dots between language equations and mathematics. I learned how to make thoughtful, well reasoned arguments, how to pick apart weak and deceptive arguments, and I began to train myself early out of arguing a point through ad hominem, which I am convinced has made me a better human being all around. When I took logic in college, I was utterly disappointed by my professor and her teaching methods. Mr. Barber didn't just know his material and how to teach it, he knew how to connect with every single student in his classroom. Reading his tributes, it is even more clear what a gifted teacher he was through all the years and what a lasting gift he was to so many students. May his family be comforted by the longevity of his impact on so many. I feel lucky to have had Mr. Barber as a teacher.

Herpreet Singh

Student

August 9, 2018

A legend for anyone who took his class at Baton Rouge High. Towards the end of my philosophy class senior year he shared his 10 Undeniable Truths:

1. Attitude follows behavior
2. I am free
3. It's okay to be appreciated
4. Don't take blame for other people
5. Guilt is not necessary/I am not responsible for the problems of the past
6. You are not alone
7. You are not the target
8. Uniqueness may not be heroic, but it's still uniqueness
9. Love someone/share yourself
10. Life is too long not to live

I'll always remember these...and the brick and horse jokes

T H

Student

August 9, 2018

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Barber for Philosophy at BRMHS and then Logic at LSU. I cannot say I remember a whole lot about the ins and outs of those subjects other than the famous duck story and getting out of the cave. What I do (and always will remember) is how he would greet us at the door, how he made me feel like I mattered in his classroom, how he got a room full of high school Juniors and Seniors to fall silent by just saying the word sex with a chuckle, and how he would hold court in the quad at LSU with his former high school students who continued to revere him (as he deserved). I remember Mr. Barber saying that his morning walk around his neighborhood was his tour of my empire. May you have the grandest tour of you empire Mr. Barber. You made the world a better place.

Erin Mann

Student

August 9, 2018

I am very sorry to hear of his passing but so heartened to read everyone's stories. I had him for Logic and he was fabulous. He helped me through a really rough time in high school when my parents divorced. He was a great teacher and an even better man. Rest in peace, sir, you will be remembered!

Christian Monty Monlezun

August 9, 2018

Mr. Barber was the most gentle and caring teacher. He treated every single person with such respect and love. His students adored him so much, I have never seen so much respect from a classroom of high school kids. I was lucky enough to take his logic class. Watching him teach was so inspirational. I have always wanted to be a teacher, so I could bring the type of passion Mr. Barber had into the classroom. The level of passion he had was unparalleled. He will be missed but always remembered.

Lucy Farrar

Student

August 9, 2018

My condolences to the family, friends, and students of Thom Barber! I would like to add a few comments to Thom's obituary for the benefit of those who may not have known him well.

I knew Thom for forty-six years, first when he was a student in the M.A. program in philosophy at LSU and later as a friend and when he was teaching at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. After receiving his M.A., Thom went to Houston to work in the insurance business. He soon discovered that he loved philosophy and teaching too much to make insurance a life-time career. He came back to Baton Rouge about the time Baton Rouge High was being made into a magnet school. He persuaded the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Baton Rouge Magnet School Principal to hire him to teach philosophy along with history and psychology. I am sure his classes were among the very few philosophy classes offered in a public school anywhere in the country! They were a great success, mostly because Thom was an exceptionally creative and winning teacher. He became highly respected and liked by the students--I know because many of those students came on to LSU and into philosophy classes because of him. He was always humble, self-effacing even, but truly a masterful teacher. He was also an uncommon friend and person. We will miss him; I will miss him.

May Thom go from strength to strength and may Light Perpetual shine upon him!

Edward Henderson

Friend

August 9, 2018

Thom I will miss you dearly. We always had such wonderful phone conversations. No matter how down I was, you always cheered me up. You will surely be missed by everyone that ever knew you.

Rick Hughes

Family

August 9, 2018

Mr. Barber was a masterful teacher, and Ill forever be grateful for having the privilege of being in his class. He will be deeply missed.

Megan Stewart Talley

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was such a nice man. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him. He will always be remembered for his bright smile and positive attitude. Thank you for brightening my day at Baton Rouge High.

Lauren Hives

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber changed my life. When I was in high school at BRMHS I had a lot of issues I blamed on a rough childhood. Mr. Barber was talking to me about some of it once and he told me your past is not an excuse and it changed me. No one had ever told me that before. I went to therapy and got help. It sowed the seeds of my recovery from alcohol and drug addiction later in life. I dont think Id be sober and living the life I am without him. Ill miss you, Mr. Barber.

Anne Rupley

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was a fantastic teacher that truly cared about his students. It was apparent that he loved teaching. He kept you interested and made his classes fun. He was such an asset to Baton Rouge Magnet High School and I am thankful to have had him as a Teacher. My thoughts are with the family as it is never easy to say good-bye. May God Bless you and give you Peace during this time of loss. Sincerely, a Bulldog from the Class of 1990.

Teresa White Bailey

August 8, 2018

I don't think there was a more beloved teacher at Baton Rouge High. He impacted so many. I'm convinced I should have listened better in class and signed up for Woods and Waters. Personally, I enjoyed his personality, humor and character more than the subject he taught. Cheers to you for completing your journey and accomplishing so much.

Chris Jenkins

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was a great friend and colleague. I enjoyed many conversations with him about the "language" of music. I will miss his humor and his calm approach to life.

Lesli Wood

August 8, 2018

One of the most influential teachers I ever had. Me Barber had the ability to treat a bunch of high school kids like we were adults and force us into higher thinking. I still use yeabut and no but? How do you sit down? when I'm faced with those in an argument. Thank you for fostering a love of lifetime learning in your students.

Alli Kolb Scardino

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was my favorite teacher in high school. I am so thankful I had the distinct honor and privilege to be his student. He inspired me to become a history major. And I still remember some of the jokes he made in class. A true gentleman who will be deeply missed.

Miriam Davis Childs

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was my Logic and Philosophy teacher, and he had an enormous impact on my life. I find myself sharing with my children the same words of wisdom that he taught me. When I think back to his class, I can still feel his sense of humor and joy that he shared with everyone, and I love how he taught me to think about the world. I am grateful to have been in his classes.

Angie Ohliger Hobbs

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was my World History teacher at BRHS. He was also our teacher advisor for the Woods & Waters club, where I first learned ANYTHING about camping. He had such a fantastic style and demeanor about him. He really left an impact. One of the BEST teachers I've ever had! BRHS class of 1990!

Jennifer Burtt

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was a true educator, who was able to open the minds of students and engage them in a unique and relatable way. Beyond his stellar teaching capabilities, he was really just a good guy and was always a pleasure to talk to. He will be deeply missed by many. May he rest in peace.

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was such a kind individual. Hilarious and wise, he was truly one of a kind. He will be dearly missed.

Steven Jodeir

August 8, 2018

At the top of a long list of wonderful teachers, Mr. Barber stands as my favorite, hands down. I'm feeling this loss today.

Kristen Manes

Student

August 8, 2018

Thank you Mr. Barber for being the light at the end of the tunnel. May you rest in perfect peace...

Coretta Kimble...Baton Rouge Magnet HS c/o 1986

Student

August 8, 2018

I had Mr. Barber for Logic and Philosophy and loved every minute of it. I use tools I learned in there all the time and one of my favorite memories from all of high school was doing logic problems on his chalkboards. He was an amazing teacher and truly cared about his students. I am so glad my older sister prompted me to take one of his classes early in high school so I would have time to get in one more before I graduated! I saved a folder of materials to teach my kids and am excited to do logic problems with them when they are ready. I have no doubt Mr. Barbers active mind is reveling and rejoicing on the other side. Cant wait for another turn to take even higher logic classes from him when its my turn to step out of the cave. Enjoy the sun Mr. Barber, we miss you!

Kristy Wilkes Williams

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was the best kind of teacher: wise, patient, approachable, caring, challenging, and unpredictably funny. He inspired in me a love for the eternal search for truth, beauty, and goodness in this life. I am a better teacher and person because of him. May God comfort and strengthen his family in their time of loss, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Heather Traigle Hill

Student

August 8, 2018

I am grateful that after I'd heard the stories of my friends that took his Logic class I was fortunate enough to have been able to take his Philosophy course my senior year. What an experience to have had him for a teacher! He was an inspiration that made not only learning a joy, but *thinking* a joy as well. I'm no great writer to put down in words how he inspired me and so many others, but just looking at the words of everyone it's clear he had a far reaching influence. And as long as his students inspire others, his legacy lives on. May you rest in peace Mr. Barber, you will be missed!

Ann Munson, class of '97

Ann Munson

Student

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was an inspiration to me as a new teacher. Great memories.

Marcia Lee

August 8, 2018

Mr. Barber was an inspiration to my younger years. He made me realize that all those big problems were never a big problem but stepping stones. I will miss you greatly and your "ducks".

Kim Do-Pham

August 8, 2018

Thom Barber inspired a generation of students. I went on to major in philosophy because of him. He changed and shaped lives.

VICTORIA MATHERNE

August 8, 2018

It is difficult to put into words what Mr.Barber has meant to me and how much he has influenced my life. His passing has left me with a profound sadness and I will miss him always. The world was a better place because of him and I feel privileged to have known him. It has been incredible to see the outpouring of love from all his former students and I hope it provides you, his family, with some comfort.

Those we love never truly leave us, for love itself lives on.

Mr.Barber, I hope I make you proud and I hope you didnt suffer.

Meghana Chalasani

Student

August 7, 2018

Feeling the loss of the man that inspired me to get a philosophy degree. What an incredible honor to both have him as a professor and have him teach my children as well. You will be missed greatly and loved forever.

Mona Sevilla

Student

August 7, 2018

I would not be where I am in my academic career without Mr. Barber. He has spawned generations of thinkers. His daily light will be missed but his influence will only expand as future students are enlightened by his former students. I can only hope to impact my residents as well. With immense gratitude, Piper (Baier) Treuting BRHS 1989

Piper Treuting

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was a kind, compassionate man who taught critical thinking skills in the form of silly stories about rubber ducks and imaginary pet horses. He taught me about empathy and tolerance (virtues hard to come by in a tumultuous high school environment) . I am grateful for his influence. I graduated in engineering from LSU, later finished my MBA and have a wonderful career and family - I hope he knows he and the rest of BRMHS staff have me the foundation tp be a compassionate and strong person. He will be missed.

Sorcha Clary Brown

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was an amazing teacher and an equally amazing man. Though shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I feel fortunate my path crossed with his for a brief while. His gift was the ability to teach and through that gift he enriched mine and lives of countless students for the better.

I hope he is in peace.

Ankur Brahmbhatt

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was my favorite teacher. His teachings expanded my worldview and made me a better person. He taught me how to think critically and how to argue, and I likely owe my current career as a lawyer to his influence. Further, he taught me empathy--when contemplating the nature of human consciousness, one cannot help but consider the point of view others, how they feel, how they think. This was the way of Thom Barber. He guided people to deep, personal revelations by teaching them to question and analyze, but he also instilled compassion, instructing by example. I would not be the person I am today without him, but it is not for myself that I am most saddened by his passing; it is for the young people who will not have the opportunity to learn from him and be improved by the experience, and for the ripples of positive influence that will in turn be lost to the world. May he rest in peace and in power, for he made the world a better place.

Spencer McCandless

Student

August 7, 2018

I was incredibly lucky to attend Mr. Barbers philosophy class in high school. The positive impact on myself and the surrounding student body cannot be overstated. Year after year, there was a ripple effect through his classes as we practiced thinking for ourselves, at a time in life when self reflection and truth seeking were sorely needed. I have since realized what a singular experience we were given and what a rare gift Mr. Barber offered.
Thank you, sir.

Jennifer Gernon Keller

Student

August 7, 2018

There are rare teachers that nudge their students on another path and encourage them to see the world in a whole new way. In 1987 I was so incredibly lucky to be enrolled in Mr. Barber's World History's class at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. 25 years later I joined him teaching at BRMHS and he was just as genuine as I remembered. I am a different person today - mother, teacher, friend - because of his influence. I hope that Mr. Thom Barber's family can take comfort in the depth and breadth of his impact on society. May he rest in peace.

Michele Braud

Student

August 7, 2018

Like most, I had the privilege of taking Logic and experiencing the magic of that classroom (and wondered how he managed to maintain his same enthusiasm about getting eaten by a horse year after year), but I also conducted Young Republicans (which happened to be hosted in his room during club time), and went camping on the weekends with Explorer Post. I always hoped that sitting by a fire at Avondale or watching his expressions during club time would somehow give me more insight into the great mysterious man whose priest photo hung on that wall, but he never fully revealed a true opinion about anything. I think that this was his greatest gifthe taught us to think for ourselves.

Claire Douglas McCrary

August 7, 2018

He opened up an amazing philosophical world to me and my life is better because of it. I will always remember him as one of the best teachers I ever had.

Kasey Givens

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was a calm and radiant person who made my life better over 25 years ago. I will remember him forever.

Ryan Karkkainen

Student

August 7, 2018

Thom was my senior home room teacher, Philosophy. He was one of the few teachers who was truly interested in what I thought, even if I didn't know myself. I wonder if he ever really knew how much he influenced us. Rest now, your work on earth is done.

Lauren Ford

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was one of my favorite teachers in one of my favorite classes! He taught me Logic in the 80's at Baton Rouge High and always had a smile or a joke and a kind word for everyone. God bless him and his family and friends. Know that he had such an impact on the lives of hundreds of students who will never forget him.

Kim Andrews Hickson

Student

August 7, 2018

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

American Heart Association

August 7, 2018

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Barber twice at Baton Rouge and once again at LSU. He was funny, kind, and a truly incredible teacher.

He will be greatly missed.

Julia Davis

Student

August 7, 2018

What an amazing man, mentor and teacher. I was so fortunate to have been one of his students at Baton Rouge High and in the summer at LSU. When I traveled with him and other teachers to Washington D.C., I never thought that I would end up living here. But there are things I see here that always remind me of him, that trip, and what he taught me in the years that I knew him. He had a glare that would freeze your tongue, but then you would see the gleam in his eye that would let you know that he was pushing you to be better and challenging you to do more. Im so grateful to have known him.

Neha Patel Anderson

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber taught me to believe in myself and to challenge myself. I still think of him today, and realize that little push he gave me, made me grow in a positive way! He believed in me and made me believe in myself! He was by far my favorite teacher. I hope my kids get to meet at least one Mr. Barber as they go through school! You will be missed!

Student

August 7, 2018

Thank you Mr. Barber, for being a kind and caring teacher, an inspiration and delight to your students, and for being an example of a tolerant, thoughtful human.

You did good work. ❤

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was an exceptional man and teacher. He had a tremendous since of humor and always put things in a different light. I truly feel honored I had him as a teacher. He will be greatly missed.

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was one of my favorite teachers, and definitely the funniest. One of the very few teachers who was focused on teaching students the skill of thinking critically & logically, as opposed to simply teaching the material. He will always have an impact on my life & I know so many others who will say the same.

Kevin Hurstell

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was an amazing teacher and a caring person. I had him for World History and regret that I didn't take logic and philosophy like my friends did. I'll never forget him.

Pauline Farmer-Koppenol

Student

August 7, 2018

" Kristi, you so often came through with a noumenal gem in Philosophy. Keep doing it. You are so gifted in your ability to see things. Best to you, Thom Barber."

I received the sad news last night and have just now finished processing the information. I mean...we all knew this was going to happen eventually. But I always saw him as this immortal being that just had taken a liking to rubber ducks. Hence the "rubber ducky man" title.

I know I went to Mr.Barber a lot during my time in Baton Rouge High and even during my time at LSU (and I probably wasn't the only one). Mostly for silly answers to silly questions...but sometimes for the depression. He was good at distracting it. But he was also good at letting me "be depressed"...versus constantly being happy. He was actually the one to suggest I go to see the LSU health services...which was the first step in the right direction. And for that...and his patience with me, I will forever be grateful. Mr. Barber has equipped in me the tools to be able to face the questioning of my existence and to be open to whatever answers may come.

...Mr. Barber may not have been an immortal.
He was just as human as all of us. And maybe he loved pushing us to seek the truths of our reality, in hopes that one of us finds the answer. I don't think I'll find the answer any time soon. But I sure hope you have all the answers to your questions now "Mister Rubber Ducky man".
Thanks for everything.

- Kristi/ Corpus Ren

Kristi Fernandez-Kim

Student

August 7, 2018

I was so privileged to have him as my teacher for both Logic and Philosophy at BRMHS. His class was always a joy and I will remember his lessons for the rest of my life. He only showed warmth and compassion if I talked to him about any struggles I was dealing with. When I had trouble with assignments in his class he always said Soon it will click and then youll be able to do it. He always joked about seeing an ensemble of marching double bassists as I am a bass player.
Im so thankful I had him as a teacher.

Annie Carlson

Student

August 7, 2018

Thom taught me much about what high school students want from life. When visiting BRHS to interview kids for college I'd stop by to see him on his break, so that we could walk to the street, share a cigarette, and solve the world's problems. He didn't pretend to remember me as a student, because he was more concerned with the problems of the here and now: how to improve public education, how to teach character in an age when politics and religion are off limits, how to teach reason and ethics, rather than just logic. Farewell, old friend.

David Rollins

Student

August 7, 2018

Thom Barber was an exceptional teacher. He will be missed but his legacy will live on through his students. Where he shaped deep thinking and sharp thought. A testament to his legacy is how many of his students went on to major or minor in philosophy because of his class. His students have so many numerous and shared stories of his wit and lessons. Rest in peace Thom Barber.

Justin Germany

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber was an incredible man who truly had a way of treating high school students like adults and waking us up to the fact that we can be intellectuals. The scholarship and intellectualism that he modeled for us helped me to attend college with the right mind and to eventually obtain an advanced degree. He taught us the ins and outs of philosophy, and most importantly, he taught us not to take it too seriously. It was truly a blessing to have him as a teacher. May light perpetual shine upon him and may there be loads of ducks waiting for him in what lies beyond.

Braxton Ray

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr. Barber changed me as a learner and, though I didn't know it at the time, had huge influence on the teacher I am today.

After taking Symbolic Logic with Mr. Barber my sophomore year, I had a choice: (A) enroll for his only other course, Intro to Western Philosophy, for my junior year and miss out on the experience of having Mr. Barber my senior year? Or, (B) have an entire year without him as a teacher, to savor the class my final year? Truly a debate for the ages. At least a debate for the age of 16.

I ended up waiting it out for senior year, and thereby started every school day that year in the presence of a teacher who cared that I learn to think for myself, to trust the value of my own mind and to truly listen to the world around me. His high expectations and mature rapport with his students informs how I teach my own classes, including letting students stumble their way to the truth. He happily frustrated, stonewalled, and Socratic-method-ed us so we could make our own breakthroughs - painful as I know it was to watch.

The senior talk Mr. Barber gave (after kicking out the juniors for the day) inspired the senior letter I give my graduates every year, and a piece of his advice ends up in that letter no matter how many editions and revisions. That letter is an annual reminder to practice what I preach and to remember why Im really in the classroom at all - to be someones Mr. Barber.

A wee syllogism:

My most influential teacher is now a consulting philosopher to the universe.
Mr. Barber was my most influential teacher.
Mr. Barber is a consulting philosopher to the universe.

With love and gratitude,
Rachael Cannon Koske

Rachael Koske

Student

August 7, 2018

Mr Barber was one of the best teachers I've ever had. Not only do I use every day the argumentation methods and logical reasoning he taught us, but he was an incredibly kind and patient person. He both held his students to a high standard and was willing to invest the time to help us actually learn.

Every person I know who took his classes in high school tells fond stories of him. We repeat his stories to each other as inside jokes ("Maybe...it fell off the truck."), we use correctly identified logical fallacies to tear down each other's arguments, and when he retired, we were generally sad that no other generations of students would benefit the way we did. My partner and I took Mr Barber's classes 13 years apart, and we reminisce about him exactly the same way.

I will always value the time I spent in his classroom and the memories I have of him with a sly smile and a good story.

Jane Patton

Student

August 7, 2018

Thom taught me to consider all of the important questions of life in the most appropriate ways. To think about the things I feel. To conquer impulse with reason. To consider the points of view of those I rejected. His gentle soul, clever wit, unique way of being, and honest reflections were very important to me. He will be missed.

Stafford Wood

Student

August 7, 2018

Thom enjoyed the love and admiration of all the students he touched. He was a friend and colleague for 15 years. May all who knew him be comforted that he is with his Lord and has reached the sublime happiness.

Nina Ivey

Friend

August 7, 2018

I had Mr. Barber in 1998 as a Senior in his philosophy class. He was incredibly kind, funny, and so wise! He always used my sister and I as an example of "nurture vs. nature" (one prefers tennis, the other hair accessories). And furthermore, he could sense that a friend and I had a huge falling out and he invited us over to his house on the weekend. During one joke, we both started laughing really hard and became friends again. He impacted my life - and so many others, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Eileen Chao

Student

August 7, 2018

I was privileged to call Thom Barber friend. I wish I had been a better one. I spent almost every lunch period with him for several years when we taught summer enrichment classes at LSU. I taught with him for many years at BRHS and witnessed the depth of caring he had for his students. To say he was revered by them in turn is an understatement. Thom was a consummate gentleman and scholar. He made the world a better place.

Donna Parker

Friend

August 6, 2018

Thom has been my good friend since 1984. He was an amazing teacher and a wonderful friend. I treasure the times, good and bad, that we shared. It's hard to imagine the world without his calm, reassuring presence. The outpouring of love and appreciation I'm seeing from his students and colleagues affirm what an influence he had on everyone he touched. My prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him.

Fred Aldrich

Friend

August 6, 2018

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