Claude Barker Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Chapel on the Hill, Cedarlawn Memorial Park, 5805 Texoma Parkway, Sherman, TX 75090.

Claude was born September 18, 1927 In Middletown, Ohio, the son of Claude Barker, Sr. & Minnie Miller.

He was a lifetime member of the Community of Christ Church (formerly The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He served in the ministry of the church from 1956 until his death; served as pastor of several congregations during his ministry: Middletown, Ohio; Fairbanks-Houston, TX; Heights-Houston, TX and New Orleans, LA. From 1945 to 1984 he was employed by the former Armco Steel Corp., holding several management positions. Following his Armco career of 39 years, he was employed by Kahn Steel Corp, Kansas City, MO; Delaware Steel Corp., Philadelphia, PA; Northshore Supply Co., Houston, TX; Aceros Eximex, Monterrey, MX. Shortly after the end of World War II, he was drafted December 7, 1945 into the U.S. Army and served in the occupation forces in the 4th Armored Division in Germany until June 1947.

Claude is survived by his wife Willa Jean Barker, to whom he was married 62 years; son Larry D. Barker & daughter-in-law Kathy Powell Barker; daughter Michelle L. Theisen and son-in-law Michael Theisen; two grandchildren Matthew Theisen and Jennifer Theisen.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be sent to Graceland University, 700 College Avenue, Lamoni, Iowa 50140.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison, TX 75020, (903) 465-2323. Further information is on our website at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com