Harold "Sam" Barker Jr.
Kerrville, TX
Harold Samuel Barker, Jr., passed away on June 27, 2017 in Kerrville, TX at the age of 83. He was born in New Orleans, LA in 1934, to the late Harold and Marcelle Barker of New Orleans. He graduated from Jesuit High School and Loyola University in New Orleans and received a Master's degree from Webster College in St. Louis. Following graduation from college, he received a regular commission in the U. S. Army. He successfully completed airborne and ranger training at Ft. Benning, GA. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and then later with the 82nd. He served in the U. S. Army for 21 years, retiring as a LtCol. During his distinguished military career he received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Star medals for service in Viet Nam, and the Master Parachute badge, Combat Infantry badge, Viet Nam service medal, Expeditionary Forces medal for service in Lebanon, several Commendation and Meritorious Service medals, and other awards and decorations. He served with several airborne and ranger units during his career.
Following military service, Sam had a successful second career in insurance sales. He moved to Kerrville in 1992.
LtCol. Barker was active in many civic affairs, especially Habitat for Humanity and as a volunteer at the VA Hospital and the Meals On Wheels program. He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church where he had served as usher, Eucharistic minister, and church council member. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and was one of the original founders of Our Lady Of The Hills Regional Catholic High School. Sam will be remembered for his good humor and willingness to help anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Caroline D. Barker of Kerrville whom he married in 1957 and a brother, Charles Barker of Houston, TX.
He is survived by two daughters, Shannon E. Barker of Hunt, TX, Kerry Taylor and her husband Scott Taylor of Hunt, TX; three grandchildren, Aliyah and Keira Barker and Joshua Trahan and his wife Mandy and great grandson, Grayson; a sister, Marcelle Wolfe of New Orleans, LA, a brother, Henry Barker of Lafayette, LA and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church. The memorial Mass will take place at 10 AM on Monday, July 10, 2017. A reception will follow at Notre Dame Social Center. At a later date, ashes will be interred at a private military service at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Of The Hills Catholic High School (235 Peterson Farm Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028) or Habitat For Humanity (P. O. Box 294566, Kerrville, TX 78029).
The family invites you to send condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Grimes Funeral Chapels - Kerrville.
To the Barker family : Please search your father's name on Facebook. There are over 100 wonderful salutations dedicated to Harold's life.
The AIRBORNE Community truly showed their respect for Harold. He is revered as a true American Hero. RIP AND AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY.
Edward Post
July 3, 2017
With great respect, I extend my sincere condolences to Harold's family.
Harold was a great warrior for our Country, defending it against all enemies.
Harold's service should be a source of great inspiration to all.
Harold was a member of this Nation's greatest Fraternity, the AIRBORNE/RANGER Community.
With Great Respect, Edward Post, a Retired Green Beret.
Edward Post
July 1, 2017
My sincerest condolences to all family and friends. May the memories you shared bring you comfort. May the God of Comfort be with you.
July 1, 2017
May God bless and comfort your family during these difficult times.
July 1, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Barker family for your loss. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6,7
Steve
June 30, 2017
My condolences to The family for their lose,at this very difficulty Time may you find comfort from the many happy memories you shared. Read Matt.11:28-30
Tyler
June 30, 2017
Harold you were an old friend with a young soul. You will be very missed around me & Canyon Cafe.
Dan Stump
Friend
June 29, 2017
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Grimes Funeral Chapels - Kerrville728 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, TX 78028
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