Obituary of Lt. Col. Greg "Spanky" Barber, USAF,

Lt. Col. Greg "Spanky" Barber, age 55, of Farmersville, Texas, passed tragically on December 31, 2016 in a two-plane accident in McKinney, Texas at approximately 5:30PM. Greg, an elite and decorated United States Air Force pilot and flight instructor, was spending an afternoon of quality father-son time with Tim, his number-three son, doing what they both loved, flying. Greg had a passion for flying, serving his country, and humbly serving others. Greg was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Farmersville and was active in the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Project "Operation Appreciation" (sending care packages to our local troops currently deployed over-seas) and many other local and worthy causes. Greg personified the phrase "Humble Servitude" touching literally thousands of fortunate lives during his short time on this earth. His love for service was only surpassed by the love of his family, countless friends and of course, the Lord. Spanky wholeheartedly loved his family, his community, his country, his faith, and he truly loved to fly.Matthew 25:23: His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"Greg "Spanky" Barber is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mandy Barber; sons, Ben Barber, stationed at Beale Air Force Base in Yuba City, California, and Franklyn Barber and wife Tiffany Barber of Wellington, Texas; daughter, Becca Barber of Farmersville, Texas; Greg's parents, Frank and Sally Barber; and sister, Lori Barber of Morris, Illinois.Services were held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Plano, 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074. Greg and his son, Tim, will also receive a military service, 1:30PM, Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, 2306 Sijan Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado 80840. Burial to follow at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services~North6575 Oakwood Blvd.Colorado Springs, COUSA 80923 Events Cemetery Thursday, January 12, 2017 12:00AM Air Force Academy Cemetery Cemetery Road Air Force Academy, CO 80840 Phone: 719-328-1793 Service Thursday, January 12, 2017 1:30PM United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel 2306 Sijan Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840 Phone: 719-328-1793