Johnathan Clayton Reeves Baber

John was born July 27,1960 of Mary Ellen Reeves Baber and Charles Ronald Baber. He entered into eternal life on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

John spent some of his childhood living in Dallas, Texas and then Oklahoma City, OK, then later his family moved to the Caddo Gap area, where he finished his junior high and high school years at Caddo Hills School. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, his grandson, Gavin Baber Stone, two brothers-in-law, Steven Ledbetter and Jack McBride. On September 11, 1981, he married the love of his life, Kareth Ledbetter. The couple had four wonderful children together.

He was Christian in his belief and a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Mount Ida, AR. John was a very likable guy who rarely met a stranger. With a great sense of humor, he could make something funny out of just about any situation. He was a good role model for children. With a kind, understanding and sympathetic heart, he tried to teach compassion and acceptance. He was always respectful of women and especially the elderly. Many called him a "great hugger".

John loved to gather with family and friends and have good food. He loved to hunt, watch movies, a good football game and was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He had a competitive spirit and during his youth he once became a national yoyo championship winner and also, he once won a talent contest in high school singing and playing guitar.

John is locally most remembered as being one of the co-owners and operators of Ron's Barbecue in Caddo Gap and later in Glenwood until health conditions forced him to turn it over to the responsibility of his son, JC for a few years.

John is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Kareth Baber, who put his needs first daily by trying to make his final years of living with chronic disease and handicap more easy and comfortable. He is also survived by his four beautiful, devoted and caring children; his daughter, Heather Baber-Roe and son-in-law, Craig Roe of Benton; his son, J.C. Baber, his daughter, Holly Baber, and his son, Dylan Baber, all of Glenwood; several grandchildren, Maddox, Dalton, Jasmine, Tucker and Shadow; his sister, Cherie Whisenhunt and brother-in-law, Bill Whisenhunt of Caddo Gap, his Aunt Laura Wilt and Uncle Steve Wilt of Glenwood; three sisters-in-law, Leona Wilson of Vilonia, Zoe Lewis of Little Rock and Carla Ledbetter York of Hope; several nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, extended relatives and friends. 

John was dearly loved by those who knew him and will be greatly missed.

The family will hold a memorial service to celebrate John's life at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2023, in the All Saints Catholic Church in Mount Ida.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home-Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, AR 71943.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.