Thomas Duane Barker

Thomas Barker was born on February 4, 1959 in Chanute Kansas to Albert Dean Barker and Jenna Lee Irene Sweaney.

Pops grew up in Kansas and various places throughout child hood. He was ambitious, adventurous and curious about life.

Tom was a twin, the fifth of eight children. In the mid-seventies Tom and two of his brothers and his Mother moved to Olympia to start a new life. Tom went to school at Olympia and Tumwater High School. He entered the Army at the age of 20. He was stationed in Italy where he served his 3 years. When leaving the service in 1982 he came home to Olympia to settle down.

In April 1982 he met his future wife Brenda (Fry) Barker. He was told by his mother that she had a nice girl for him to meet. At the time Brenda was managing and working as a Hair dresser with Tom’s mother. They spoke periodically on the phone for 2 weeks and hit it off immediately. They then set up a blind date at Skate land and went roller skating. From then on they were inseparable. Their courtship went on until their marriage on 9-9-83 in Olympia Washington, Brenda 21, Tom 24.

In May of 1984, Brenda gave the news they were going to have a baby. On January 20th 1985, their son Noah David was born. Life was good for them, they worked, played and had plans to have another baby. On December 26th 1985, Kory Thomas was born. This is correct they were both born in the same year.

Tom worked hard to provide for the family. He was a very dedicated father, husband and friend and was always involved with his sons, in sports, birthdays, holidays and so much more. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for others. Tom was easy going and laid back. He loved fishing, the good old Seahawks, camping and just hanging out with friends. Tom was a loving person who loved his wife, children and grandchildren, family and friends.

He will truly be missed, loved, cherished and remembered as the man with the smiling eyes.

Tom is survived by his two sons, Noah/Patti Barker and Kory Barker/Julie Morken and four grandchildren, Spencer Thomas Barker, Adison, Lili and Andrew.

A celebration of his life will be held on January 13, 2017, 1 pm at Mills & Mills Funeral home in Tumwater, Washington

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.