Vernon W. "Tommy" Barker

Vernon W. “Tommy” Barker, of Austin, peacefully went to be with the Lord on July 8, 2011 after a courageous battle with lung cancer at the age of 88. Vernon was born on November 30, 1922 on the Knobbs at McDade, Texas to John and Ella (Blackwell) Barker. He attended school in Elgin and was raised there. Vernon proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He enlisted in November 1940 at Camp Mabry, in Austin, Texas. Sgt. Barker was in the 36th Infantry Recon Special Troops. After his honorable discharge in July 1945, he received the nickname “Tommy” from the machine gun.

Tommy met and married the love of his life, Iris Odell, after returning from the war. They were married on October 17, 1945 in Austin, Texas. This marriage was blessed with two wonderful children. Vernon became a paint contractor and worked all over Texas meeting many friends throughout his life. He painted at the L.B.J. Ranch for President Johnson, for Ron Paul, and many other people in his career. Vernon was known for his huge, loving heart, his wonderful sense of humor, his jokes that always provided you with laughs and smiles. He was a very good gardener and was a member of the Sunshine Community Garden for over twenty years. He was dedicated to his military service and gave tours of WWII at Camp Mabry on Sundays. He was a member of the 36th Infantry Division Association serving as Vice President of Special Troops Board of Directors. We will always remember that he made the best barbeque and that he could cook everything. Vernon was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ella Barker, his loving wife of 55 years, Iris Odell Barker, sisters; Juanita Bartholomew and Gertrude Mott. He is survived by his son; Tommy Barker of Buda, daughter; Evelyn Robinson and husband, Terry of McDade, grandchildren; Dylan Barker of Houston, Shawn Hawken and husband, Mathew of Elgin, Angela Farris of McDade, great-grandchildren; Rachael Cook of Elgin, Justin Rampy of Elgin, Kyle Hawken of Elgin, Madison Farris of McDade, and Mackenzie Farris of McDade. Vernon is also survived by a sister; Sally Rohlack and her husband, Virgel of Austin and a brother; John Barker (Honey Boy) of Spring, TX.