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BORN
1933
DIED
2018
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R-Lou Barker Obituary
Springfield, IL—R-Lou Barker, 84, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 after a short illness.
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 Women's 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 donor's choice.
The family of R-Lou Barker is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield.
Please visit boardmansmith.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Bonnie Styles
April 30, 2018
R-Lou was a role model and great community leader. She was a wonderful Board Chair and all-around supporter of the Illinois State Museum and the Illinois State Museum Society. We appreciated her guidance, generosity, and wonderful senses of adventure and humor. She is greatly missed and fondly remembered. We extend our condolences to her family and friends.
--Bonnie Styles, Director Emeritus, Illinois State Museum System
April 30, 2018
Condolences to the family. A true lady with a passion for preserving local history. She will be missed. Ann and Dick Hart
Kay Feurer
April 28, 2018
My condolences to R-Lou's family.
She will be missed by so many.
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Boardman-Smith Funeral Home800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL 62704
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