William Kenneth Barker, 86 of Anderson, Missouri passed away on Friday June 14, 2019 at the Webb City Health and Rehab in Webb City, Missouri.
Kenneth was born on November 23, 1932 in the family’s log house, west of Anderson, Missouri to the late William Matthew and Lena Leota (Roberts) Barker. He proudly served in the United States Army as a Medic at Verdun, France during the Korean War.
He married Kathryn Gerdiman on Christmas Eve, 1985 at his mom’s house (and boyhood home) west of Anderson. He was a fabulous typist, typing over 100 words per minute, without errors. Kenneth owned and operated Barker Abstract and Title Insurance Company in Pineville, Missouri for over 30 years. He also drove a school bus for a season; was a sheriff’s deputy and even ran for Sheriff. Kenneth was a 50-year member of the Masons; member of the American Legion and MENSA. He was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Anderson, Missouri, and previously at Pineville and at Lanagan. Kenneth was a man who knew possibly everyone, in and around McDonald County. And he knew the history of the families and the land as well as anyone. He never knew a stranger, or someone with whom he couldn’t have a rousing conversation.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sarah Jane Barker- Penn, Roberta Barker-Hobbs and a brother, Don Barker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sarah Jane Barker- Penn, Roberta Barker-Hobbs and a brother, Don Barker.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Kathryn Barker of the home; three children, Kimmie Barker-Emery and husband, Mark of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, William Matthew Barker II and wife, Lisa of Phoenix, Arizona, Shelley Barker-Paul and husband, Jim of Neosho, Missouri; mother of his children, Hester Haney of Lanagan, Missouri; five stepchildren, Theresa Murphy, Ron Huckstep and wife, Barbie, Carol Gometz and husband, Eric, Cher Vaughn and Jason Huckstep and wife, Erica; two brothers, Ned Barker and wife, Dorothy of Lone Jack, Missouri, Ted Barker and wife, Glenda of Anderson, Missouri; grandchildren, Emily Paul, Olivia Emery-Riportella and husband, Nick, John Emery, Grace Emery, Stefan Barker and Nathan Barker; 13 step-grandchildren and 16 step-great grandchildren; along with a host of other relatives and friends who will dearly miss Kenneth.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home. Pastor Nick VanDam and Pastor Marilyn O'Brien will officiate. Burial will follow in the Anderson Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, 2019. The family will receive friends at this time.
Memorial contributions in loving memory of Kenneth Barker may be given to the United Methodist Church in Anderson, Missouri in care of the funeral home.
No comments:
Post a Comment