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Incident
Sheriff Lish Barber and Chief Deputy Bob Smith were shot and killed after being requested to meet three subjects at a local business.
While talking with the three, the former police chief of Texarkana and his two sons, an argument ensued and gunfire erupted. Both Sheriff Barber and Deputy Smith were shot and killed. One of the suspects was shot and wounded in return gunfire.
All three were arrested and charged in connection with the murders. The former chief was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Sheriff Barber was survived by his wife and two children. His wife finished his unexpired term as sheriff.
Survivors
Sheriff Barber was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Barber served with the Miller County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Texarkana community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Barber.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Miller County Sheriff's Office has lost 11 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
Elisha is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Elisha is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elisha is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1925, 2 officers at Miller County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 3.
In 1925, 4 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elisha was 51. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Miller County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 41.5 and 49.5; the middle age was 47.
Elisha was 51. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
Elisha was 51. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Elisha was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 33.3% of these deaths at Miller County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Fridays: 22.2%.
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Fridays: 13.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 81.8% of all 11 deaths at Miller County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Miller County Sheriff's Office has 11 officers remembered here, Elisha among them.
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Elisha Franklin Barber Oct 30, 1925
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Robert D. Smith Nov 2, 1925
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Lucien C. Adams, Jr. Mar 26, 1930
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Walter S. Harris
Jul 28, 1931
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Thomas Asbury Quillin Aug 31, 1932
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Melvin Brackman
Oct 19, 1932
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J. C. Crain Oct 21, 1932
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William Martin Greer Jun 1, 1939
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Clarence A. Anderson
Mar 10, 1948
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Charles E. Barnes, Sr.
Mar 31, 1984
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Lisa Anne Mauldin
Dec 18, 2016
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Miller County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
