R-Lou Barker

She was born in McPherson, KS to John Clifford Porter and Hazel Dell Washburn Porter on December 18, 1933.

R-Lou attended schools in Centralia, MO and Glenarm, IL. She graduated from Ball Township High School and attended the University of Illinois at Springfield.

She married Morton Darrell Barker, Jr. on June 29, 1953 in Chicago; he preceded her in death on September 24, 2005.

R-Lou was a wife of 52 years, mother of sons, and a community advocate. An avid traveler, she visited both the North and South Poles and every continent. In her words: "Always another adventure to be experienced." She was active at the board level in the following organizations: Daughters of the American Revolution, Land of Lincoln Girl Scout Council, Springfield Art Association, Springfield Symphony Womens Board, Vachel Lindsay Association, Illinois State Museum Society, and the Illinois State Museum.

Her dedication to preservation of historic sites was demonstrated by her long-term service on the Springfield Historic Sites Commission and the Dana-Thomas House Foundation. R-Lou also served as Chairman of the Illinois Center for the Book and Illinois Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Morton Darrell Barker III; and sister, Ruth Porter Shepherd.

She is survived by her four sons, Robert (wife, Anne), Jess (wife, Barbara), John, and Paul; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Martha (husband, Bob) Fielding; and three nieces and nephews.

Private family ceremonies were held.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vachel Lindsay Home Association, P.O. Box 9356, Springfield, IL 62791-9356 or a charity of the donors choice.