Donald Blakely Barbee

Donald Blakely Barbee, age 88, of Wharton, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2013 at home following an extended illness. He was born on January 6, 1925, in Wharton , to the late William Banks Barbee and Lucie Evins Knight. From an early age he had an interest in all things electrical. He started Barbee Electric in 1939. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1942 to December 1945. He was an Electrician's Mate aboard the light cruiser, U.S.S. Denver, in the Pacific theatre. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Wharton to resume his electrical business. He married Isabel Koehler on November 5, 1948, in Wharton. Always living a life of service, Mr. Barbee joined the Wharton Volunteer Fire Department in 1946 and served with the department for 28 years, 24 of which as the City of Wharton Fire Marshal. During this time, he also added the duties of Chief Electrical Inspector, Building Inspector, Civil Defense Director, and Arson Investigator. He attended Texas A&M Firemen's Training School for 25 years and served as an instructor for 11 of those years in the arson investigations section. He also served as a Special Deputy from 1946 to 1979 under sheriffs T.W. Lane, H.R. Flournoy, and Rose Flournoy. He was elected Constable, Pct. 1 and served in this capacity from June, 1980 until his retirement on December 31, 2012. Mr. Barbee was 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Wharton Masonic Lodge # 621 with over fifty years of membership and service. He became a Master Mason in April of 1962 and held the honor for over fifty years. He also served as an Arabian Shriner. Mr. Barbee was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Wharton. Family and friends were his passion; dancing and traveling were his hobbies. Donald enjoyed recounting his many stories, and was known for his colorful historical accounts. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Milton Neff, John Neff, James Gray Barbee III, William Banks Barbee Jr.; sisters, Virginia Ireland, Sybil Epperson, Lucie Barker Ward, Eunice Knight Bogle, Mary Lynette Christopher, and granddaughter, Lorena Barbee. Survivors include his devoted wife of 64 years, Isabel Koehler Barbee, sons and daughters- in-law, Max and Letha Barbee, Milton and Gloria Barbee, Donald Banks and Shirley Barbee, all of Wharton, and daughter and son-in-law, Lynette and Vladimir Listak, of Brazoria; 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and his faithful canine companion, Doran, A.K.A Deputy Dog. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church of Wharton from 6 till 8 pm. Funeral Services were held on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 10:30 am also at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Meredith Wende officiating and followed by interment at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Funeral Services were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Pallbearers included his grandchildren, Philip Listak, Brian Listak, Keith Barbee, Clint Barbee, David Barbee, Clay Barbee, Christina Gibson, Sheena Reitz, Covey Barbee, and Candice Robertson. Honorary pallbearers include Paul Shannon, Jef Mayes, Doc Blakely, Richard Arnold, Kevin Bannert, and Jeff Sciba. The family would like to sincerely thank Donald's many friends and caretakers for their support. If desired, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Wharton at 1717 Pioneer Ave. Wharton, Tx 77488, or Houston Hospice-El Campo at P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, Tx 77437.