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Thomas S. Barker

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University of North Texas

Thomas Barker Obituary

Thomas S. Barker, an economics professor and retired Army officer, died just after midnight Jan. 16, 2004, following complications from surgery at a local hospital.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Highland Meadows Christian Church, 2600 Hall Johnson Road, Colleyville. Burial: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Tom served his country with distinction and honor for 24 years and then moved on to a notable career in academia. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of North Texas and taught at several Texas colleges and universities.

He was a beloved husband and father and a stimulating teacher, writer and thinker. He traveled the world, learned from other cultures and people and challenged us to be our best.

Survivors: His wife, Zelina; his children, Albert, Bill, Charlie, Dirk, Sylvia, Erik; his sister, Shirley; and 10 grandchildren grieve his passing.

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

Published by Star-Telegram on Jan. 20, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Barker

Sponsored by His Wife Zelina.

14 Entries

Melissa Rogers

December 1, 2004

Zelina - I was shocked to hear about Dr. Barker.

He was very smart and very organized and I always looked forward to my annual meeting with him.

My prayers are with you.

Melissa

Erik

June 16, 2004

Mom - lets have a toast to Tom when you come and vist. Ich bin sicher das der alte Kauz es so haben will.

Keri

February 13, 2004

Zelina,

I am so sad. Tom was such a neat guy. I had my very first doctoral class with Tom, and we became friends throughout our time in the class. I enjoyed keeping in touch with him. He was such a scholar - always thinking beyond what many were thinking. I will miss him, even though we just kept in touch by email and Christmas cards.

I'll be praying for you and the family during this tough time. I can't imagine losing the love of my life. He loved you very much and always spoke so fondly and lovingly of you.

Keri

Rob Stecker

February 6, 2004

Tom,

I miss you Sir, I'm glad you have no more pain but I miss you terribly. You were skinny as a rail but always a pilar of strength. I admired you, respected you and was humored by you. You completed this family, I will grieve your passing for a very long time. Godspeed Sir.

Noel Christen

January 23, 2004

Zelina,

Thank you for sharing your husband with us - he will always be remembered as a true gentleman and an incredible scholar. His dedication to his country and his studends speaks magnitudes about his drive and desire to better the place where he could be found. For all who knew him and those who didn't, we have lost one of the "Great" ones.

Diana Garcia

January 22, 2004

Dr. Barker lived his life with respect and love for humanity. A true dedicator to academia, his presence will be missed by all.

Marilouise Tugan

January 22, 2004

Zelina,

I hope you and Tom's family can begin to know how profoundly he affected the lives of those he worked with at Embry-Riddle. Students who graduated years ago have always asked first about Dr. Barker when we'd meet unexpectedly.

He had many special gifts and one that was always appreciated was the gift of friendship. He stayed in touch with students long after his course was finished, offering them career support and encouraging their continued education.

My fondest memories of Tom are of the articles he'd bring me before every trip - "A little somethig to read on the plane!", he'd say with a chuckle. Of course there was always a quiz when I returned. I admired Tom and loved my years working with him. I shall miss my friend.

My prayers are with you. I'm sorry for your empty space, but you must have many wonderful memoried to put there.

Fondly,

Marilouise

BETTY JEAN THOMPSON

January 21, 2004

Dear Zelina,

I am finishing my Masters degree at Embry-Riddle and was in several of Dr. Barker's classes. He was a great inspiration and mentor to me.

His passing is a loss to me personally and to the educational community as well. He impacted so many students academic careers. He made you reach for your best. I will miss him. He always spoke of you with love, respect and wit.

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Betty Jean Thompson

Robert Heft

January 21, 2004

Dr. Barker will be missed by everyone who knew him. He inspired me to be a better instructor.

Renee Smith-Faulkner

January 20, 2004

Zelina,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Here at Castleberry, we know how strong you are but don't hesitate to let us know if we can help comfort you in any way. God Bless.

Stan Perilman

January 20, 2004

Zelina:

I never got the chance to meet Tom, but judging from your love for him and this synopsis of his life, this will be my loss forever.

My condolences to all.

Stan

Kevin Smith

January 20, 2004

Dr. Barker was an inspiration to me and though I never met his family, I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a great man, educator, patriot, and human.

Kelli Kelsoe

January 20, 2004

Zelina,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.

Christine Hailey

January 20, 2004

Dear Zelina,

My thoughts and prayers continue for you and the family. I pray that God's comfort and peace will be with each of you.

Sorry I cannot attend Thomas's funeral because I teach a class on Wednesday mornings. I hope to talk with you soon.

Christine

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