Barbara Lee Ecabert

Celebrating the life of Barbara L. Ecabert
2/12/1942 – 12/10/2022

Barbara Lee Ecabert passed away peacefully on December 10, 2022.

She was born in Dayton, Ohio on February 12, 1942 to Raymond Carroll Ecabert and Endy Lavon Garringer. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s in music education in 1964 and later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas in 1985. Barbara had a lifelong passion for music and combined with her love for education, this led to her long and successful career as a music teacher and band director. She began her career in education at The Masonic Home & School in Ft. Worth, TX from 1966- 1967. There she befriended the School Nurse, Helen and took on the privilege and opportunity of helping raise Helen’s three children from The Masonic Home. Ken, David and Karen have also grown to be in professions that serve the public and help others. Barbara has provided scholarships and guidance to children who needed a little help. She was always about the kids and her dogs, whom she loved equally and always enjoyed. She also loved to travel and would take her dog(s) along whenever possible because they enjoyed the adventures as much as she did.

While employed with the Arlington Independent School District, Barbara orchestrated taking the Colt Band to Reagan’s Presidential Inauguration which all of Arlington supported in helping raise the necessary funds for their Band to attend this big honor. Barbara’s neighbor across the hall at Meadowbrook Assisted Living in Arlington was the ex-Mayor of Arlington and remembered Barbara and her time in education, and taking the Colt’s to Washington, D. C. Colt Band reunions, thanks to one of her former Band students, Tanya were always a very special time for everyone in attendance to reminisce. Barbara was honored to be asked by the current Colt Band Director to lead the final song, which was of course always the traditional Colt Fight Song. Even though she was suffering from Dementia, at that moment “Bert” reverted to The Great Band Director! With a big smile on her face, she would lead the Band with all the pride and enthusiasm she had always displayed… the disease had no grip on her during The Fight Song! Barbara made an incredible difference in the lives of countless students and everyone she met. After serving in the Arlington ISD, she was employed by the Cedar Hill Independent School District from 1999 – 2002. During the summer months when she wasn’t teaching, she worked on various government assignments.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Carroll Ecabert and Endy Lavon (Grainger) Ecabert. She is survived by her brother, James Ecabert (wife Donna).

Barbara will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKIV