Richard E Barker

Born May 29, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Harold Edward and Lillie A. (Ozol) Barker, he married Dian Hupprich.  He later married Dorothy L. (Partain) Eddings on March 17, 1989 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Dustin Barker of Kingston Mines and Dion (Erica) Barker of Effingham; two granddaughters, Christie McIntyre and Cecelia Barker; and one sister, Susan (Doug) Grimm of Denver, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bruce Barker.

He attended Bradley University in Peoria where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and later his Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling. 

Dick taught math at Monmouth High School for 3 years and later at Pekin Community High School for 27 years, retiring in June 1993.  He had been the chairman of the math department at PCHS.  He also had taught evening computer science classes for Illinois Central College for 15 years.  He had worked as a realtor for Century 21 Halstead & Wolfe Realtors in Pekin for 10 years.  In 1997, he served as President of the Pekin Area Board of Realtors.

He was a member of Saint Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin, where he was a past member of the church council and music committee.  He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity, Pekin Country Club, Tazewell County Retired Teachers, and the TAPS Wine and Dine Committee.  He also was a member of Pekin Civic Chorus and Pekin Friends in Harmony, serving as a board member for both groups.  He was a former member of the Pekin Teachers Alliance, Illinois Education Association, and National Education Association.

Dick was a master gardener through the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program.  He had been associated with Corn Stock Theater where he was involved with many productions as stage manager.  He was past president of the Committee for Historical Preservation of Pekin.  He had rehabbed many homes and received the Pekin Bicentennial Commission Award in May 1976 for restoring the George Herget Home.

Dick was a kind, caring, and talented person who gave so much.  He enjoyed woodworking, reading, gardening, music, and traveling - especially cruises.

His memorial service will be at noon Friday, May 4, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  The Rev. Dwight Borden will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11:47 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Private burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or Saint Paul United Church of Christ, 101 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com