Edward Travis Barber

Edward Travis Barber passed away on October 24, 2026, at his home in Flora Vista, NM at the age of 77. Ed was born in Cortez and lived in Dove Creek until his senior year when his family moved to Cortez where he graduated from MCHS in 1967.

He met and married Darlene Noyes,” the only woman he really ever loved” according to him. He worked in the oil field until it got so slow, then he decided he had to change directions for a while, so he moved with his wife and young son to Hawaii. Their beautiful daughter was born there. His family was his biggest pride and joy. Those 4 years at his job and the different environment and climate were all good experiences for them. Once rock fever set in, it was decided to come back home to Cortez. One of the locals there said to him, “how can you leave paradise and his quick reply was “You don’t understand, I am going back to Paradise”. He did love the mountains, fishing, hunting, etc. And if you asked him where he was from, his answer would be “Colorado.”

Once back home he went to work for The Superior Oil Company, which eventually became ExxonMobil; so altogether he worked 32 years for the same company. He was transferred to New Mexico to run the Farmington area in 1987 and never made it back to Colorado but was glad it was still a close drive. Upon retiring in 2009, Ed desired to do as much traveling as he could, but more than that, he wanted his grandkids to enjoy the outdoors as much as he did. Learning how to fish was taught to them at a young age. His love of fishing and just driving around in the mountains was always in his heart. One of his favorite fishing spots was Groundhog Lake, from the time he was a Cub Scout. The very large fish he caught in the ocean when he lived in Hawaii was not as exciting as the small trout in the mountain streams here.

He was a smart and quick learner and did his job with pride and integrity. In all aspects of his life, honesty was probably the most important trait to

him. Ed was filled with care and generosity for others, and never met a stranger, no matter where he was. These traits were a testament to his strong faith in Jesus Christ.

Preceding Ed in death were his father and mother, Travis and Ruby Jean Barber. He is survived by Darlene, his wife of 54 years, his son Shawn (Emily) Barber of Tucson, his daughter Randa (Ron) Tapia of Colorado Springs as well as 5 grandchildren; Tyler Barber; Alexis Barber; Ashlee (Kaden) Mills; Brennan Tapia, and Carson Tapia. He had two great granddaughters, Blakelee Mills and Charlee Mills, as well as other extended family and friends that will all miss him.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, NM at 10:00 AM on November 3rd with viewing starting at 9:00 AM. Graveside service will follow at Cortez cemetery at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Bloomfield or your favorite charity.