Larry Dee Barker

Larry Dee Barker, 76, born in Eldorado IL, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was a faithful member of Howell United Methodist Church, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the American Legion Post # 8.

He moved to Evansville when he was 12 years old and attended White School and graduated from Reitz in June 1958. Larry lettered in track and football, and always remained an avid fan of Reitz football. The day following graduation, he left to serve in the US Airforce as a machinist on aircraft engines until honorably discharged in June 1962.

Larry had many interests over the years: stock cars, motorcycles, coaching Little League baseball, but his greatest was in new and antique automobiles. He owned antique cars and loved to attend car shows. In 1979 he became a runner at the age of 39 and won various first, second and third places within his age group. He retired from CSX Railroad after 35 years of service.

He married Carol Dilbeck in July 1959 and they were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Tracey. Carol preceded him in death July 19, 2000. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Steve.

Larry is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Kim Barker and Tracey (Clint) Hildebrandt; grandchildren, Rachel (Kelly) Berry, Ryan Harper (Samantha Clayton), Tori and Evan Hildebrandt; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Brown, Riley and Cesilio Jimenez and Kelly Jo Berry; sisters, Rosalee Johnson, all of Evansville and Mary Ludene Taylor of Enfield, IL.

Extended family, Lyn Davis (Curtis Kirksey), Zac (Janell and Lankin) Wilson, Alec Wilson all of Paragould, AR, Pam Gram (Butch Miller), Jessica Burton, Lily and Joe Nguyen, Katie (Kevin) and Nora Hunt, Gary Brunson, Barbara and Frank Demuth, all of Evansville, Jayne and David Kell of Van Nuys, CA and Chad Karns of Spokane, WA, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

The family would like to thank Alyssia Jones, Dr. Maqbool Ahmed and staff, Dr. David Harris, Dr. Mark Conway and Terri, Dr. Chacko and Debbie for their excellent care. They would also like to thank friends Steve Muensterman and Martha Sebeking for the unselfish hours they spent visiting just to brighten our days, Kathy Curtis and Donna Ratcliff for the restoration of Larry’s lettered track sweater and the beautiful smile it brought to his face, and our Howell Church family for all the cards and words of encouragement.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois Street, officiated by Kenny Palmer, with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit 2:00PM to 8:00PM, Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Howell United Methodist Church. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.