Keith Russell Barber

Keith Russell Barber passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by those who loved him.

He was born on November 23, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Roma Jean Wood and Jay Russell Barber.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Debbie Lynn Barber.

He is survived by his loving fiancée, MaryAnn Walters, who faithfully stood by his side until the very end. Because Keith was taken far too soon, they never had the chance to enjoy the “happily ever after” they had dreamed of. Together, however, they built a life filled with love, laughter, companionship, and countless happy memories.

Keith is also survived by his daughter, Sandy Cleary; his grandchildren, Russell Barber, whom he lovingly helped raise through his teenage years, Nicholas Cleary, and Chloe Cleary; his sisters, Linda Verry and Teri Barber; his stepchildren, Donny (Nicki) Magnuson and Danielle (Joe) Beene; and his cherished step-grandchildren, Cyrus, Leily, Ashley, Ryan, Brooklynn, and Christopher, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Keith spent much of his career in the construction industry, most recently with Big-D Construction, where he earned the respect and admiration of coworkers and friends alike. Earlier in life, he owned and operated hair salons, proving there wasn’t much he couldn’t do when he set his mind to it.

Although work was important, Keith’s true passions were simple: golf and his “furry angels.”

Over his lifetime, Keith welcomed nearly 22 dogs and numerous cats into his family. Many answered to familiar names like Bogey, Pepper, and Lucky, and each one held a special place in his heart. If you knew Keith, you knew there was always room for one more dog or cat in his home and in his heart.

Golf, however, was his greatest passion. Every day was a good day for golf, but Sundays were sacred. They were reserved for playing with the friends he cherished most. Keith founded the MTGA golf group, a title that officially meant very little, but as the self-appointed commissioner, he was convinced it meant he was in charge. His friends happily let him believe it, and it became one of the many things they loved about him. Week after week, Keith brought people together through his love of the game and, of course, the mandatory pre-game gathering, no matter how early the tee time, creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Keith’s quick wit, infectious smile, and ability to make people laugh made him unforgettable. Whether on the golf course, at work, or simply spending time with family and friends, he had a gift for making everyone feel welcome.

One thing about Keith that everyone who knew him probably experienced was his remarkable ability to make you feel special. Whether you were eight or eighty, he had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He gave compliments so naturally and sincerely that you couldn’t help but smile. He made people feel noticed, appreciated, valued, and important. Looking back, that may have been one of his greatest gifts.

After retiring in 2018, Keith found his perfect rhythm: winters in San Diego with his sister and summers in Salt Lake City with MaryAnn, and spending as much time as possible on the golf course with his lifelong friends.

Those who knew Keith know exactly where he would want to be now. If there are two heavens, Keith surely chose the one where he could once again embrace the loved ones who greeted him with open arms, be reunited with every one of his beloved furry angels, and then head out for another perfect round of golf with friends waiting on the first tee.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, friendship, and love. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever be a part of every tee time. Though he may no longer walk the fairways beside us, his laughter, his stories, his slow play, and his spirit will always ride along in every round we play.

In the end, Keith won’t be remembered for the scores he shot or the trophies he won. He’ll be remembered for the people he brought together, the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, and the way he made everyone feel like they mattered. That is a legacy few people achieve, and one that will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of calling him family or friend.

“The tee sheet in Heaven just gained its newest commissioner. Save us a spot, Keith. We’ll see you on the first tee someday.”

A celebration of life for Keith will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East.  Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.