CSM Jackie Lee Barker

CSM Jackie Lee Barker, Ret., 77, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012.

Born in Seneca, Kan., Mr. Barker was a 1952 graduate of Beatrice High School in Beatrice.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and retired in 1984 after 33 years of service. He was a 1973 graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy. During his military career, CSM Barker served as CSM for the Readiness Region 5 at Fort Knox and was also Post Sgt. Major at Ft. McPherson from 1979-1981.

In 1968 he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart and Bronze Star while serving with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. After his retirement, he became a military instructor at San Marcos Baptist Military School and was recalled to duty in 1990 for Desert Storm.

CSM Barker was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was also chairman of the Activities Committee at Sunset Resort in Arizona, where he resided with his wife, Clara. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Flossie Barker; brothers, Bob and Jim; sister, Betty and stepchildren, Butch and Jacky.

Survivors include his wife, Clara Barker; daughter, Dawn Krahwinkel and husband, Anthony of Powder Springs, GA; sister, Patricia Tucker and husband, Jim of Beatrice; sister-in-law, Carole Barker of Iowa; grandchildren, Alithea Corter-Bell and husband, Bryan of Los Angeles, Calif., Samantha McGowan of Miles City, Mont., Jonathan Milloy of Longview, Wash., and Brittany Lassle of Miles City, Mont., and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga., with military honors. Visit westcobbfuneralhome.com for an online guest book. Memorial contributions can be made to Army Community Services at Ft. Knox, 502-624-6291, Building 5101, 12th Armored Division Ave., Fort Knox, KY 40121.