Dr. Robert C. Barker Jr., 78, died on August 9, 2019 at his home from a heart attack. He was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on February 6, 1941 to Dr. Robert C. and Katherine Holt Barker. He graduated from high school in Ft. Worth, and the attended Yale University, earning a B.A. in English literature in 1963. He obtained his medical Degree from Tulane College of Medicine. After serving two years in the Air Force as a general medical officer, he resumed his medical training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, focusing on internal medicine and gastroenterology.
While in Houston he met and married his beloved wife, Jere Jones Guin Barker. On completion of his training there in 1975, they moved to Fort Smith, where he practiced with Holt Krock Clinic and Sparks. After retiring, he volunteered many years at Good Samaritan Clinic.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Edward.
He is survived by his wife, Jere Barker: brother, Dr. Charles H. Barker; children, Mara E. Barker of Fort Smith, Heather B. (Ted) Heitman of Manchester, MO, Bevin B. (Dr. Brian) Raines of Waco, TX, and Brent C. Barker of Fort Smith; grandchildren, Sam, Miles and Max Raines, all of Waco, TX and Ella Booth of Portland, OR; and his cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was an active member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, enjoyed reading, music, cycling, running, rugby and racehorses.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. The family will be at Edwards Funeral Home Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to visit with friends and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2700 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, AR 72903 or Good Samaritan Clinic, 615 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, would be most appreciated.
