Clyde L. Barker

Clyde L. Barker, 81, of Orangeville, died July 29, 2023. He was born December 25, 1941, in Freeport, IL, the son of Clyde J. and Viola (Dreibelbis) Barker. Clyde was a 1960 graduate of Orangeville High School. He then went on to serve his country in the Navy as a radio operator at Barbers Point, Hawaii and aboard the USS Hancock. Clyde married Betsy Higa on January 8, 1965, in Hilo, Hawaii. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, they made the drive from California back to Orangeville. When Clyde returned home, he worked at Pleasant Hill Cheese Factory as a milk hauler and cheesemaker. He then worked at Moore Business Forms as a printing press operator from 1969 until his retirement.
Clyde loved cars. On Wednesday or Saturday nights during the summer you would often find him at the car show at Wendy's or Dairy Queen in his Chevelle. In his younger days, he and his cousin John ran in demolition derbies. Clyde typically was found in the pits helping to keep the cars up and running, but in 1973, he qualified to compete in the National Demolition Derby Championships in Ohio. He enjoyed going to stock car races in Freeport, tractor pulls, and working on cars. Clyde also pedaled many miles on the Jane Addams Trail and later his stationary bike. His goal was always 2,000 miles each year. He was a fan of the Packers, NASCAR, Little League World Series, old Westerns, and any show that featured old cars. Clyde also enjoyed fishing and had fond memories of trips to Minnesota and Canada to do so.
Clyde is survived by his wife Betsy, daughters Terri (Dave Brudos) Runte and Kelly (Kevin) Blair, grandson Collin Blair and brother-in-law Kenneth (Gayle) Higa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Hoichi and Hatsuyo Higa, and son-in-law Mike Runte.
Clyde was a quiet man who appreciated the simple things in life. To honor that, the family has decided no services will be held. Next time you're cruising in your car or on a bike ride on a beautiful day, think of Clyde. He would like that.
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