Gordon Keller Barber

Gordon Keller Barber, 71, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. He was born August 27, 1954, in Monticello, UT to Glenn and Beverly Barber. Gordon was the fourth child of seven siblings. He was a lively and mischievous boy who loved causing trouble with his brothers and teasing his sisters. Gordon was diagnosed with arthritis at age 12 around the same time his little sister was diagnosed with leukemia. He treasured the time he spent with his mother, Bev, and sister, Gail, traveling from Monticello to Salt Lake for treatments. Throughout his life he held a special place in his heart for both women.

Gordon’s family moved to Sandy, Utah when he was 12. He went to school at Jordan High School where he was a proud Beetdigger. He graduated from High School in 1972 and then proceeded to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He completed an honorable mission serving in New York, New Jersey, California, and Arizona.

Gordon and Mary Lynn met before his mission and went on their first date to the Demolition Derby at Lagoon. She proceeded to write Gordon his whole mission and they were married on June 2, 1977, in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. Gordon graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah with a degree in Accounting on May 2, 1983, three days before the birth of their third child. He later became a licensed Certified Public Accountant. He took disability at the age of 42.

Gordon and Mary Lynn raised their five children in Utah, California, and Georgia. They moved to St. George, Utah in 1999 where Gordon enjoyed the rest of his days. Gordon was proud that all five children served missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life Gordon loved sports, especially coaching his son’s teams; creating the best Halloween make-up; all things cars and racing; shooting on the BLM with his family; building the most epic Christmas village; and playing games until all hours of the night. If Gordon teased you, then you knew he loved you. And he teased us all.

Gordon faced many physical trials throughout his life. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis early in life which caused many other health difficulties. He endured kidney stones, bypass heart surgery, multiple brain surgeries, spine surgery, congestive heart failure, pacemaker, and was supported by oxygen the last years of his life. No matter what Gordon faced, he never complained. He was a true example of enduring to the end with faith, hope, and most of all laughter.

Gordon was the happiest when he was surrounded by his grandchildren. He loved teaching them all about cars, building Lego with them, playing chess, watching movies (with popcorn, of course), and making rice krispie treats. His face lit up whenever they came to visit or facetimed him. And if the kids ever wanted jellybeans, they were sure to ask Grandpa because he’d always say yes.

Gordon is survived by his wife Mary Lynn; his son Matt (Charlene) Barber; his son Mike (Kara) Barber; his daughter Mindy (Tales) Brito; his son Brad (Kristi) Barber, his daughter Katie (Cory) Black; and his 19 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Beverly, his sister Gail Barber, and his brother Sherman Barber.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11 am at the LDS Chapel 261 E Center Street North Salt Lake, UT 84054. There will be a viewing starting at 9:30 am. Interment will take place at Bountiful City Cemetery. The service will be streamed through zoom.

ZoomLink: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87561087524?pwd=WWdLZ0lvVnhEM3N2RGJPMTBDNlk0Zz09

Arrangements are made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S. St. George, Utah, (435) 674-5000. Those wishing to send flowers may have them delivered by Jimmy’s Flowers in Bountiful, Utah or delivered to Hughes Mortuary.