Jmeyer “Jay” Barbian was born July 10, 1944, at St. Ann’s Hospital in Abilene, TX, to Pete Sr. and Ruby Meyer Barbian. He attended Central Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and was a proud Abilene High Eagle (Class of ‘62). He attended McMurry University before transferring to Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, KS. He met the love of his life, Wilma Davis, pumping gas at J.T. Cox’s Texaco Service Station. On September 17, 1965, they were married and recently celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Jay was a Marine and a Vietnam War veteran who proudly served his country while abroad. He was a talented man and devoted his life to serving others with the love of Christ. Jay worked on the Street Department for the City of Abilene, and then Officer Barbian served on the Abilene Police Department for 27 years. (And he FINALLY graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice while working to protect the streets of Abilene.) He was instrumental in creating the Honor Guard, which is still in operation today. He also shared his love for people as a security guard at Hendrick Medical Center and a collections agent for the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union. Jay and Wilma were entrepreneurs in the restaurant and catering business, using their love of cooking to bless others. Together, they were the hands and feet of Jesus, serving with the Texas Baptist Church Builders organization building churches for over 20 years across the United States, feeding the volunteers, helping with construction, and taking their grandchildren along for the experiences. Jay and Wilma also served on mission teams that worked with an orphanage in Brazil and helped build the House of Joy in Romania.

Jay never met a stranger, and he loved the Lord. He served on the Habitat for Humanity Board, Big Country Emmaus Board, and was a dedicated member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for over 50 years as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, missions participant, choir member, RA Leader, Nehemiah Ministry member, cook, and friend. You always left his presence better than you were before! If you ever sat with him, even for a few minutes (ha ha), you knew all about his kids, grandkids, and great-grands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Sr. and Ruby Meyer Barbian, his brother, Pete Jr. (Sonny) Barbian, and his sister, Lena Barbian Tate.

Jmeyer, Jay, Dad, Daddy “Marie”, Jay Bird, Turkey, Big Jay, and Papa, leaves behind a legacy that is evidence of the promises of God to 1,000 generations: his wife, Wilma Davis Barbian; daughter, Angi Thomas and husband David Thomas of Abilene; daughter, Lisa Thornton and husband Mitch Thornton of Abilene; son, Todd Barbian of Denton, TX; and son, Michael Barbian of Abilene. His grandchildren: Keegan and Madison Thomas of Helena, MT; Aspen and Hunter Weir of Clyde; Bronc and Kendra Thornton of Baird; Jay Hoogland of Pineville, LA; Zoe Barbian of Paradise, TX; Coy Barbian of Denton, TX; Benjamin Araujo of Abilene; Lily Barbian of Abilene; Callum and Cade Barbian of Denton, Tx.; Tiffany Smith and husband, Clay of Abilene; Chad Thornton and wife, Sara of Benbrook, TX. And his great-grandchildren: Weslyn and Wretlyn Weir; Teagan and Tripp Thornton; Koda and Kreek Thomas; Sterling Smith; McKenna and Jack Thornton; Cataleya and Clementine Barbian; and Cecilia Araujo. His sister-in-law, Betty Long, and husband Mike of Shreveport, LA, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank you for your prayers for the last 5 years. Your love, visits, texts, phone calls, strawberry milkshakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and root beer floats brought Jay joy, peace, and comfort, and confirmed the impact he will forever leave on this world.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Hendrick Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m., at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Dr., Abilene. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., at The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, with the Abilene Police Department Honor Guard Team.