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April 28, 2016 - Photo by Shelby County Today - Bo Barbe, a public educator in Shelby County for over 34 years was honored by his family and friends with a Roughrider Memorial plaque on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Mr. Barbe, a 1953 Center high School graduate was a big believer in education. He earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Stephen F. Austin.
During his 34 years in public education he spent 12 years at Excelsior Common School, 5 years Shelby County Co-op, 1 year Timpson ISD, and 16 years Center ISD - First Director of Special Education. Bo had been serving on the Excelsior ISD School Board for 19 years at the time of his death.
His wife, Linda Barbe, also taught kindergarten at Excelsior and Center ISD for 29 years. She attended Cooper Arcadia School 1st thru 3rd grades and graduated Timpson High School in 1956; Stephen F. Austin in 1972, and gained a Masters Degree at Stephen F. Austin in 1984. Their children, John Barbe and Deb Poquette helped Linda write the following note describing him to the recipient of the first scholarship to be awarded in his name next month.
Bo Barbe was many thing to many people. To the students in his classrooms, Mr. Barbe was a giant of a man with deep compassion for children and learning. To the many kids he influenced outside his classrooms, Mr. Bo taught many lessons. Lessons he learned as a boy growing up in Shelby County; he showed kids how to farm, work hard and respect the land.
He taught many to hunt and fish and love the outdoors; he taught the correct way to grip a baseball and he showed how an education sets the groundwork for success later in life. To his many friends and co-workers, he was always there with a big grin and sage advice... most of the time it even was asked for. He expected the best from his students and teachers and was usually rewarded in seeing them exceed not only his expectations but theirs as well!
From the Barbe Family, we were lucky to call him Husband, Dad and Poppa. We wish you much success and hope this scholarship helps you soar far beyond your goals and exceed your teachers expectations.
