Col. (retired) Daniel J. Barker, 66, born on February 13, 1946 in Rockford, IL was born again into eternal life on November 7, 2012.

Dan served 27 years in the United States Air Force as a Civil Engineer, completing his career as the Director of Readiness, AFCESA at Tyndall Air Force Base. At the time of his death, he was Vice President of Global Operations and Logistics for IAP Worldwide Services.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Grace Barker; and his son, Sean.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy; children Ryan (Claire) of Prattville, AL, Shannon (Adrian) of Panama City; Kelly (Farrar) of Santa Rosa Beach, Megan (Chris) of Oklahoma City, OK and Patrick (Tiffany) of Panama City. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Bill (Ann) of Toronto; and his 21 grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7 p.m, at Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held Monday, November 12, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, with Father Pete Zalewski officiating. The family will receive friends after the mass in the Fellowship Hall. A memorial service will take place at the United States Air Force Academy Chapel (Cadet Chapel) in Colorado Springs, CO on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, with full military honors. A reception will follow at Jack Quinn's Irish Pub in downtown Colorado Springs.

Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.

Kent-Forest Lawn
Funeral Home
2403 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, Fla. 32405
850-763-4694
www.kentforestlawn.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Panama City News Herald from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Barker

38 Entries

Ray Rodgers

March 27, 2013

Kathy and Family,
We just learned of Dan's passing in the March Checkpoints. Dan was my right hand man at Minot and did an outstanding job, professionally, capably and always with a great sense of humor. We will miss him.
Our best wishes to you,
Barb and Ray Rodgers

Ron Tatus

January 1, 2013

Dear Kathy and family, we just learned of Dan's passing. We fondly remember him and your family from Maxwell and Malmstrom and especially cherish the time we created Advent logs together. Kathy and I send you love and a hope for comfort. May Dan rest in the presence of the Lord and may we all get together again in His time. [email protected]

Joe and Mary Lynn McGuire

December 20, 2012

Dear Kathy and Family, It has been more than a month, and we still find it difficult to believe Dan is no longer with us. Since our first days together as school friends at Kirtland Base and at St. Pius X, Dan has always been a fixture in our firmament. Having our careers cross in S. Korea, and back in Albuquerque, while staying friends with you both throughout the decades since has been a blessing in our lives. We will never forget his presence, and wish you all the best, hoping your travels bring you back for a visit every now and again.

November 29, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

With love,

Carol (Roth) and Robin Dyche

November 19, 2012

Dear Kathy and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. We fondly remember our times in Germany that seem like just yesterday. You are in our prayers. Claire and Dan Tatum, O'Fallon, Illinois

Sue (Jordan) Richards

November 16, 2012

Kathy and Family: Joanie and I are so saddened to learn of Dan's passing. You are in our prayers and may God's everlasting love start to heal your broken hearts. I now live in Colorado Springs and we were an Air Force Family for 23 years. I wish our path's had crossed with you and Dan. We have sponsored many cadets. I wish I could have attended his memorial here yesterday. Please pass on our condolences to Bill also.

Edward & Rose Oliver

November 16, 2012

Kathy & Family,
May you know there were many friends and associates who enjoyed serving with Dan along with the AFESC/DEHS folks who had the pleasure of the marriage between Civil Engineers and & Services at Tyndall AFB, FL, during the early 80's. We all enjoyed working with Major General Clifford Wright who was at the Pentagon and we had Colonel Roy Kennington as the AFESC/CC during my time there from 1984 -1986. May you take comfort knowing Dan is resting peaceful in Gods house and we all shall make that trip one day and rejoin all our loved ones. God bless you and your family!

Edward Oliver, CMSgt, USAF, Ret

Bruce Poindexter

November 16, 2012

For Dan Barker...for his eternal flame.

Bruce Poindexter

November 16, 2012

To Kathy Barker and family...
My sincerest condolences for the lost of a great man, father, and husband to you. I remember Dan as a very calm and cool supervisor who always made time for the little things no matter what. For my 8 years at RMS, he was a great leader and business mentor. he will always be missed!

Sincerely,

Bruce Poindexter

Kitty Killorin

November 14, 2012

Dear Kathy,
God be with and give you stength in your time of loss. May your memories and your family give you great consolation.

John Ellis

November 14, 2012

Dear Kathy and family. I was a classmate of Dan's, at the Air Force Academy, and I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I remember when I first met Dan, we sat next to each other during one of our basic cadet classes, back in the summer of 64. We were both reeling from the rigors of our training and, frankly, feeling quite homesick. We started sharing stories and pictures of our girlfriends when we discovered that we had both lived in Albuquerque and had at least 1 common acquaitance. It doesn't sound like much now but I think we made each other feel a little more connected to our roots and a little happier. I will always remember Dan as the caring young man that I met on that day, as a great classmate and he will always remain in my thoughts.

November 13, 2012

Dear Kathy and family,
Bucky sent me the e-mail and obituary. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I remember the fun times at your place when we were going to Beth-El.
Peace to all of you.
Becky Rapp -Pierre, SD

Betty j Rivera

November 12, 2012

My heart goes out t u Kathy and your family, along with my prayers knowing God is by your side and will always be there with his everlasting love.
Most sincerely,
Betty Jo Rivera

November 12, 2012

Kathy and family, Paul and I are so saddened to hear of Dan's passing, but we will always remember him with love. All the fun memories and times shared with the two of you. Our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Love, Paul and joni

Art Verardo

November 11, 2012

Kathy,
Your friends and former classmates in Albuquerque were deeply saddened to learn of Dan's passing. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and our prayers during this your incredibly difficult time of loss
Art Verardo

November 11, 2012

Dear Kathy,

Tom and were so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,

Tom & Pam McCloy

Leonard Espinosa

November 11, 2012

Dear Kathy:

I am saddened to hear about Dan's passing. I often think of that unstoppable drive to the basket like a graceful bull that he finished with that soft left handed shot off the glass. Dan was a big man in every sense of the word, and the world was a better place because of him. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh

November 11, 2012

Dear Kathy and family,
How very sad to hear the news of Dan's passing. He was such a special part of our class of '64. We will deeply miss him and we share in your sorrow. I'm so glad that I was able to see you both at the First Friday lunch a couple years ago, and now many wonderful memories of our years at St. Pius are flooding into my thoughts. I wish I could give you a hug right now, Kathy-but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are holding you, Dan and your family up in spirit. God bless all of you.

November 10, 2012

Dear Kathy and family
Heather phoned today and told us the sad news of Dan's passing. We are so sorry for your loss and that of your children and grandchildren. It only seems like yesterday that we were all together in Germany. It sounds like you have some lovely ceremonies planned to honor Dan. Wish we could be there to be with you all. We send our love to you and the family. May your loss be God's win!! We will keep you in our prayers and wish you comfort and sympathy. With love, Vicki and Chuck Hand

November 10, 2012

Dear Kathy,

I was stunned to hear the news today from Wayne Glass about Dan. I am so sorry you have lost your soul mate,best buddy and the love of your life.
I remember back to the days in Albuquerque and all the fun we had and remember the day of Dan's graduation from the Air Force Academy and your wedding in the chapel there. Dan was my friend for life and I treasure him as great friend and I am so glad he got to marry and live his days with the girl that was his love.
I am sure that his laugh, pranks and the twinkle in his eye that he inherited from both his mother and father, has been passed down to your kids as has your love of life and good times.
Kathy, I am so sad for you and your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I may be able to make it up the Colorado Springs on the 15th.
Tom Horan

Mike Ryan

November 10, 2012

Dear Kathy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dan's passing. I have never forgotten Dan as a team-mate and a friend. We last saw each other in 1972 during some difficult times, but I will always remember his advice. On the basketball court, he was the other half of our "double post". He was awesome! He was such a decent man! God bless you and your family. It was an honor to know Dan! Love, Mike Ryan

Carolyn Pompa Acree

November 10, 2012

Kathy: I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the time I had a chance to see both of you at Ned's, not too long ago when you were in ABQ. After not seeing either of you for 40+ years, I was astounded at how little either of you had changed since HS days. You both seemed so youthful, vigorous, happy and fulfilled--just like always. That is how I will continue to remember Dan, and I sincerely hope I will have another opportunity to see you again one day. I know, first hand, what it feels like to lose your life partner. May the love of your family and friends bring you the peace and comfort you need to get through this difficult time.

Wayne Glass

November 10, 2012

I'll never forget that golden haired stalwart of our Pius Sartan basketball teams. He brought so much joy each time he'd pivot, go left, and bank it into the basket. More than that, he was a model student and friend. I knew when he went off to Colorado Springs that major success was in store. I was correct. Alas, he's gone much too soon. Much too soon. I'll think warm thoughts about Dan today and pass the word among our high school friends. We all loved Dan. Hope these words will provide some comfort in the midst of this very sad time.

Carol and Mike Brown

November 10, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathy, and with your family. Keep those happy memories alive.

November 10, 2012

Dear Kathy & Family,
I was shocked hearing of Dan passing. God bestowed us with an accomplished; kind and wonderful husband/father. I remember our two skits together at Sartan's half time and Coach Palisano was worried about him hurting his back while catching me as the lovely blond lady. I'm teary eyed and will miss him so much. My prayers are with you Kathy and hopefully I will be able to see you and your family in Colo.Springs shortly.
Bob Dodson

Kathy Yates (Hymel)

November 10, 2012

Dear Kathy and Family,

My heart broke when I heard of Dan's death. You two were such an inspiration of true soul mates since childhood. You are all in our prayers that God will hold you gently until you are reunited.

November 10, 2012

Kathy, you have my sympathy and prayers. In my mind you and Dan will forever be 18!Not respectable, responsible parents and grandparents. Not an honored officer in the AF. No, just 18 year old kids happy to have found one another. You have led a blessed life and returned those blessings. Pat Mechenbier Keever

Jan Johnson-Donohue

November 10, 2012

May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you strength. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your children.

Sandie Smith

November 9, 2012

Dearest Kathy, our love and prayers are with you all.

Becky Oliver

November 9, 2012

I will remember our time in Hutschenhausen, Germany, the meals together, the fun we had together, and the two families spilling over into each other's households as friends. Dan was always in the background quietly guiding the flock, watching over everyone, yet he had a quiet confidence and leadership that served him well raising a family and guiding folks in the Air Force. I am so thankful our families crossed paths and continue to this day. Kathy, you have lost the love of your life but you will see him again - it's just a TDY for now and then you can hug him again! We love you all and truly grieve that Dan has gone on......

Lance Rodriguez

November 9, 2012

Dear Kathy and Family,
You all mean so much to Nicole and I and so grateful and blessed to be included in your family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Ya.

November 9, 2012

I never knew him but I herd he was a nice man

Bob and Thuy Johnston

November 9, 2012

Thuy and I are heartbroken and share your grief deeply. But our faith sustains us, as we know Dan is now healed and embraced by a loving Father throughout eternity. Kathy, kids, and grandkids, you know we too loved Dan. May that be some small comfort to you, as you grieve for your unhappy loss. We have been trusted and faithful friends for many decades, so never forget our eagerness and willingness to help you through tough times to come. May God bless and keep you through all the days of your lives.

John & Terri Resch

November 8, 2012

Dan, Kathy and Family,

Dan, we know you are at peace now and out of your pain. We will remember you ALWAYS as a Patriot, a GREAT father and grandfather; and a cousin to so many O'Hallorans. Please know that our family is always there for your Dear family. My Ancient Order of Hibernians organization still prays for you and know you're taking the express bus straight north to God's hands. Rest in peace my dear cousin, we'll love you forever. Hug Mom and Dad when you get to Heaven (probably there now)!

Kathy and family - please let us know what we can do for the family.

Cousin Bill and Ann,
Our hearts are broken but will heal over time. God is with all of us.

Bill,

We pray for you as well as the loss of your brother is heart-breaking. Remember the good times Bill.

We love all of you and remain in our prayers.

All the Love in the World,

John & Terri Resch

Rowena Trzeciak

November 8, 2012

Kathy,
My prayers are with you and your family. Praying that you feel God's love and strength during this difficult time. Love you, Row

Joy Tucker (Cunningham)

November 8, 2012

Aunt Kathy I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Dan was an awesome man and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of need. I love you <3

Mary Dean

November 8, 2012

Kathy,
Dan was an awesome man! He will be greatly missed. Loved working for him.

Nancy Brown

November 8, 2012

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I know God's strength and comfort
will see you through. He was a such a wonderful person and I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for your family.

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