Thomas Eugene Barker

1934 - 2016

Thomas Eugene Barker, 82, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on November 27, 2016 in Odessa. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with Curtis Brewer of First Baptist Church, officiating. There will be no graveside service. Tom was born in Dallas, Texas to Henchie and Juanita Barker on June 30, 1934. He received his education from the School of Life and graduated with honors. He married Judy Burkes on August 11, 2007 in Odessa. He graduated from the School of Hard Knocks and exceeded all expectations. He worked hard and earned every degree, certificate and acknowledgement with blood, sweat, and tears. Tom was a very proud Marine who served in the Korean War during his service from 1951 to 1955. He was just as proud to be an American. Tom was the last elected Hide and Animal Inspector in Ector County, he was a Board member of the Clover House, he was a Mason, a Rotary member, an avid hunter, fisherman, a connoisseur of western novels, and a true man's man. His word was his contract and in return, yours needed to be. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Henchie and Juanita Barker; his wife, Doris Nell Barker; his son, Thomas Eugene Barker, Jr.; and grandchildren, Barker Scott twins. Tom is survived by his wife, Judy Barker; his daughter, Jeanie and husband Charlie Scott; stepchildren, Ricky Jorgensen and wife Bernadette of Giddings, Texas, Kerri McCoy and husband Mike of Odessa; his brothers, William E. Barker and wife Pam of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Perry Barker; nephew, Rick Stringer and his wife Pam; grandchildren, Jacob Thomas Scott, Nicholas Barker Scott, Justin Jorgensen, Molly Sylestine, Brady McCoy, Brooks McCoy, Tobi Nin McCoy, Ben Scott, Jody Scott, Ashleigh Barden, and Russell Scott; and numerous great-grandchildren. Final thoughts Mr. Tom, "Put another log on the fire, cook me up some bacon and some beans." You have made such an impression on all those you have been in contact with, your life and your stories shall be repeated over and over again in history. To the husband, the dad, the grandfather, and great-grandfather, now go sleep with the angels. Thank you for being part of our lives. Well done! Family request that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign the guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.