Richard Albert Barker

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Richard Albert Barker, passed away at LDS Hospital on Friday, September 19, 2003, while surrounded by his loving wife and children. Richard was born on July 23, 1939 in Springville, Utah, a son to Harold (Hap) and Afton Skinner Barker. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Cherrie Fullmer, on January 13, 1961 in Mapleton, Utah. They were sealed for time and eternity on October 13, 1967, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.


He graduated from Springville High School and attended Snow College. He later graduated and received his degree in electrical automation from the Utah Technical College in Provo, where he also served as student body president.


He was employed by Hercules, Inc. and Buenher Block Co. in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was later employed by Brigham Young University where he worked and retired after 27 years of service.


Richard was a High Priest in the LDS Church. He also served for many years as ward Financial Clerk, Sunday School President, and Home teacher. He had a strong testimony of the gospel which he passed on to his children.


Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time in the canyons with his family and friends. He had a great love for the outdoors. He enjoyed telling stories of his childhood and the outings he went on with his father and uncles. He also enjoyed collecting classic cars (vintage tin). Later as his health failed, he started a very large collection of die cast model cars of which he was very proud of. He enjoyed good old fashioned country and western ÒtunesÓ. He was an avid BYU football fan. Richard always had a listening ear and time for anybody who needed him. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren.


Richard is survived by his wife, Cherrie of Spanish Fork; his five children: Kevin Barker (Candy) of Spanish Fork, Kerry Barker (Tiffany) of Lexington, KY., Michelle Pilgeram (Darin) of Tooele, Kimberly Kidrick (Tony) of Santaquin, and Rebecca Barker of Spanish Fork; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one brother and three sisters: Reed Barker (Judy) of Corvallis, OR., Carma Rasmussen (Gary A.) of Mapleton, Marilyn Lemon (Melvin) of Pleasant Grove, and Katherine Riches (Gary) of Spanish Fork. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, including one very special uncle, Jay Barker.


Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 11 a.m. in the Spanish Fork 15th Ward Chapel, 1006 East 200 South. Friends may call at Walker Family Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.


The family would like to thank the nursing staff and Doctors at Mountain View Hospital and LDS Hospital for all the service and care given. Condolences may be sent to www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.