D.B. "Barry" Rooker III

D. B. “Barry” Rooker, III, 69, peacefully passed away on June 28th at his home in Oklahoma City surrounded by his family after a “brief scuffle” with cancer. Barry was born on May 5, 1943 to Margaret Barrett Rooker and D.B. Rooker, Jr. in Oklahoma City. After graduating from McCloud High School, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate. Following graduation, Barry was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar.

Barry was preceded in death by his father D.B. Rooker, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Linda Warren Rooker, his mother, Margaret Barrett Rooker and sister Lisa Angell, both of Vero Beach Florida, his children: Chris Rooker; Elyse Hull; and, Leslie and Rick Russell; and his eight grandchildren: Robert, Elizabeth, and John Rooker; Jack and Whit Hull; and, Kate, Molly, and Charlie Russell. Barry is also survived by his step-children: John M. and Raylene Warren; and Kristi Hoover and her son, Warren Hoover.

Other survivors include: Barry’s cousin Jon Barrett; sister-in-law Jane Kim and her daughter Sarah McKiddy; and, Kelly J. Rooker and John T. Hull. Barry also leaves behind longtime friend and personal physician H. Clark Hyde as well as Tom Ransom – Barry’s business manager who was “like a brother”. Barry also leaves behind many more friends and relatives and also the mother of his children, Linda Lee Carpenter.

Barry’s business career centered around the field of transportation, specifically general aviation. He owned and operated Qualitron Aero Services at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where he provided aircraft services to the private aviation industry. Barry conceived and implemented a unique partnership with the City of Houston to build a major cargo facility. Barry’s vision and success of this quasi-public/private partnership has served as a model for others. In addition to his career in aviation, Barry undertook a number of other business ventures, including co-developer of The Cliffs at Grand Lake.

Partly because of his ever curious nature, unique wit, and engaging personality, Barry was always searching for additional knowledge and new experiences. Barry and Linda especially enjoyed traveling abroad, cruising around the country in their luxury coach and making new friends.

Barry and Linda delighted in exploring the world. Their travels to Europe and Asia created special memories for them and their friends. One of Barry’s fondest memories was traveling with his father to Europe for nearly a month in 1992. Whether it was restoring classic cars, singing in the choir, or reading voraciously, in every endeavor Barry gave his all and lived life with great joy and enthusiasm.

Barry was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he was an exuberant participant in the choir. Barry enjoyed belonging to many organizations, including: The Young President’s Organization; Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club; and, The Seventy-Five Club.

The family would like to thank the many special friends, which include: his and Linda’s Newell Motorcoach and California friends; and, his Men’s Forum group, all of whom have been comforting and encouraging with their support. The care that Barry received from Mercy Hospice, and Senior Care Services helped enormously to make his last days comfortable and peaceful.

Barry was deeply touched and spoke often of how much he appreciated the outpouring of love from all of his and Linda’s friends and family.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 3rd. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in Barry’s memory to: Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir in Memory of Barry Rooker.