Charles Barker

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Charles Herman Barker, 88, Neosho, died May 16, 2016 at National Healthcare in Joplin. 

 He was born February 3, 1928, four miles north of Fairview, Newton County, Missouri, to Cecil M. and Zelma May (Patton) Barker. When he was one year old, they moved to a farm three miles north of Pioneer, Barry County, Missouri, where he lived until March 1938. He subsequently grew up on farms in the Wanda and Stark City communities. Two days out of Granby High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (later the Air Force) on May 22, 1946. He attended the Radio Communications School at Scott Air Force Base, Beleville, IL and served 6 years, 10 months and 21 days on bases in Arizona, Wyoming, Japan and Louisiana. He was assigned 29 months at the old Tokyo International Air Port (arriving there six days before the start of the Korean War) where he was the non-commissioned officer in charge of ground radio maintenance. In off duty hours, he helped to build a 1000 HZ amateur station, JA20M, which began broadcasting on December 7, 1950, the ninth anniversary of Pearl Harbor. 

 On December 9, 1955, he was united in marriage to Viola Pruden at her parents' home in Neosho, MO. Their vows were read by Wendell Winkler in the presence of her parents, his parents and her sisters, Naomi and Ruth, and her niece, Phyllis. Two children were born to them, Byran Glen, 1957, and Brenda, 1958. Viola preceded him in death on October 17, 2004. Charles was baptized into Christ, June 1953, by the pioneer preacher, Rue Porter, and quote: “I endeavored to serve God the remainder of my life. My love and allegiance have been to God, my wife and children, my grandchildren and the United States of America. I have loved every child I ever met.” Commencing in June, 1960, he taught Jr. High Sunday School, except for three periods, for 31 years. Charles practiced the barber profession until his retirement in May, 1990. 

 He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Clay and husband, Chuck of Neosho; daughter in law, Theresa Boccia-Barker of Parsons, KS; three grandchildren, Amanda Walker (Gaz), Nicholas Barker and Brigette Barker; three step grandchildren, Natalie Eberhard (Lyndon), Jonni Robinson (Jason) and Brett Leeper; three great grandchildren, Cole, Phoebe and Caitlyn; one brother, John Thomas Barker and wife, Coeta of Granby, MO and one sister, Beverly Turner and husband, J.C. of Granby, MO. In addition to his wife, Charles is preceded in death by his parents; son, Byran Barker; two grandsons, Daniel Barker and Craig Barker; brother, Lloyd Barker and three sisters, Irene Wagoner, Lois Barker and Delma Thomas.

The visitation will be prior to the service

Thursday May 19, 2016, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Rocketdyne Rd. Church of Christ

Memorial Service

Thursday May 19, 2016, 10:00 AM