Waymon M. Barker

Waymon, known to many as “ AJ,” was born in Mangum, Oklahoma, on August 29, 1923. His parents were Albert Jeff Barker and Lucy Elsie Tramel Barker. Waymon grew up in Spade, Texas, graduating from Spade High School in 1941. He attended Draughon’s Business College in 1942. He then enlisted in the Army Air Corps September 29, 1943, as an aviation cadet. He was awarded the American Theatre Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Waymon was also an officer of Woodmen of the World Lodge 3871 in Littlefield, Texas.

Waymon worked for various newspaper companies located in Littlefield, Texas, and in Clovis and Portales, New Mexico. He began his career as a linotype operator with the Lubbock Avalanche Journal in 1958. Prior to retiring in 1994, he delivered newspapers to surrounding towns. Waymon had also worked part-time at the National Casket Company and sold shoes at Bud’s Men’s Store in Lubbock. As a young man, Waymon was a bouncer at the Littlefield Skating Rink. He loved to share stories from his childhood about raising chickens and selling eggs.

Waymon married his “beautiful bride,” Polly Sullivan, on November 26, 1948. They would have celebrated 72 years of marriage this year. They have four children: Debra Kay, Monte Wade, Janis Lee and Jeffrey Don.

As a hobby, Waymon enjoyed shelling pecans and frequented the Lubbock Pancake House every day for coffee with the local farmers. He never met a stranger and always had a smile, a joke, or a pack of gum to share. His love for word puns has been handed down throughout the generations and are affectionately known as “Barkerisms.” He was an avid 42 domino player and enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, computer solitaire, Gin Rummy, and bingo. His love for his family was only surpassed by his love for Jesus.

Waymon was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, Alton D., Almon J., and Alvin B. Barker, his in-laws Omer S. and Mary Jane Avary Sullivan, his son, Monte W. Barker, his son-in-law, Robert L. Medlin, his grandson, Darren G. Medlin, and other extended family members.

Waymon is survived by his wife, Polly Barker, of Lubbock, Texas; daughter, Debbie Medlin, of Austin, Texas; daughter-in-law, Lou Barker, of Littlefield, Texas; daughter, Janis and Don Brooks, of Mount Pleasant, Texas; son, Jeff and Beth Barker, of Lubbock, Texas; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, six great-greats, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private burial service to be provided by Resthaven Funeral Home in Lubbock, Texas, with a public “Celebration of Life” memorial at Resthaven’s Chapel to be announced for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Arbor Grace Wellness Center, Attn: Eva Cavazos, 1241 W Marshall Howard Blvd, Littlefield, Texas, 79339, or to Legacy of Love Hospice, 4409 71st Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79424.

The Barker family extends our appreciation to the staff at Arbor Grace Wellness Center and Legacy of Love Hospice for the care provided to our dad and the support offered to us.