Kenneth William Barker

Kenneth William Barker, 89, of Spring, Texas passed away on April 11, 2020. He was born in Flint, Michigan on October 19, 1930. Kenneth attended and graduated from Breckinridge High School, San Antonio Texas, where he was on the school’s varsity swim team. He was a skilled diver and competitive swimmer. While in high school, Kenneth met his future wife Berta Mae Baylor. They dated for two years and at the age of eighteen he married his seventeen year old bride.

In 1948, Kenneth began work as a lineman with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He was later employed by AT&T. He retired from AT&T in 1991 as a 3rd line supervisor after an illustrious and successful career spanning 42 years. During his time at AT&T he joined the Escape Club which was a fraternal organization that raised money to support good parenting skills to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Kenneth served his country in the Texas National Guard, 36th Division, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. He joined as a Private, but his leadership skills were recognized and he eventually received an Officer’s commission. He commanded an artillery unit and was later recognized by his commanding general who sought him as his aide. Kenneth served his country and the state of Texas for 16 ½ years. He separated from the National Guard with the rank of Captain.

Kenneth is survived by his beautiful wife Berta Baylor Barker. They shared 71 loving years of marriage together. He is also survived by two daughters, Cynthia Ann Barker Tackett, and Rhonda Gayle Barker Coleman;. son-in-laws, James Louis Tackett and Thomas Edward Coleman; granddaughters, Ashley Lynn Coleman and Emily Ann Coleman, and step-grandchildren Kathlin Jaime Tackett, and Zachary James Tackett.

Kenneth was a loving and nurturing husband, father, and grandfather. He was a devout Christian and a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church for 47 years. He was funny, upbeat and caring and always had a helping hand and a kind word for everyone he met. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 2:00 pm, April 14, 2020 at Forest Park/The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery. A private graveside service to be attended by immediate family will be held.

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested for the American Cancer Society.

To leave online condolences to the family, please visit www.forestparkthewoodlands.com and click on Kenneth’s picture.