Robert L. Barker, Sr (1930-1990)

REED DEEN GRIES HEDGES

Posted By: L. Reilmann
Date: 7/27/2007 at 23:26:01

Source: Onawa Democrat

Castana, Iowa - Robert L. Barker, Sr, 59, of Castana died suddenly Thursday, Aug. 30, 1990, near Onawa.

Services will be at 2 pm Saturday at First Christian Church at Onawa with the Rev. Everett Epperson and the Rev. Bryan Myers officiating. Burial will be in Kennebec Cemetery at Castana with military graveside services conducted by Grimsley-Thayer Post 502, American Legion. Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm today in Pearson Funeral Home at Onawa.

Mr. Barker was born Nov. 29, 1930, at Onawa. He graduated from Blenco High School in 1948. He served with the US Air Force for six years during the Korean Conflict. On June 4, 1955, he married Louise R. Reed at Onawa. The couple farmed near Castana and moved into Castana in 1984. He had been involved in service and installation with Empire Gas at Onawa for 21 years.

Mr. Barker was affiliated with the First Christian Church. He presently was commander of Grimsley-Thayer Post 502, American Legion of Castana and a member of the Castan City Council. He was an official at Bob Cat Speedway in Blencoe.

Survivers include his wife; a son, Robert Jr. and his wife, Michelle of Castana; two daughters, Mrs. Rick (Lynne) Deen of Whiting and Mrs. Rick (Sharon) Gries of Castana; his mother, Evelyn Hedges of Onawa, four half brothers, three half sisters, and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by George and Crace Barker, who raised him and a granddaughter, Shawnah Gries.