Thomas Edward Barker

1947 - 2024

Thomas Edward Barker
March 19, 1947 - November 5, 2024
Thomas Edward Barker, age 77, passed away in his home on November 5, 2024 with his beloved wife, Paula, at his side. Tom was born on March 19, 1947 in Nyssa, OR as the eleventh of twelve children born to Ernest Hyrum and Eunice Mae (Brewer) Barker.
Tom learned from a young age to work hard on the family farm--milking cows, bucking hay, driving tractor, and harvesting field corn. After graduating from Fruitland HS in 1965 and marrying Jannette Mitchell in December 1966, he used his family work ethic to seek better opportunities for his young, growing family. They moved to Portland, OR where Tom began a profession in the fire sprinkler trade. In 1977, he started Discount Fire Systems, Inc., which he successfully ran for over 25 years.
On Dec 6, 1997, Tom married Paula Raye Hettervig and they built a beautiful life together in Estacada, OR. Tom loved fishing, hunting, auto racing, camping, gardening, and woodworking and he accumulated many, many friends while doing these activities. Tom was well-known for his work ethic, his unique sense of humor, and his ability to make friends everywhere he went. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his wife, Paula; sons, Brent (Jill) Barker, Jason (Lisa) Barker; daughter, Shannon (Jason) Richards; stepson, Jason Hettervig; grandchildren, Shelbie Barker, Sebastian Fenimore, Mariah, Dallin, Grant, Kyle, and Karina Richards, and Jason Hettervig Jr; great-grandchildren, Jaden and Jordan Maldonado; and siblings, Helen (Seward), Robert, Ronald, and Donald Barker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eunice (Brewer) Barker; siblings, Gerald, Eldon, Bill, Ralph, Jimmie, Carolyn, and Ruthie Barker; and grandson, Brandon Barker.
A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Grace Crossing Bible Church, 29101 SE Eagle Creek Rd, Estacada OR 97023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mt. Hood Hospice, PO Box 1269, Sandy, OR 97055, mthoodhospice.org/donations, who wonderfully cared for Tom during his last weeks of life.