Lawrence Wesley Barker

Lawrence “Red” W. Barker, 101, of Aransas Pass, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 3rd, 2025.

He was born on October 20th, 1923, to Robert L. and Millie M. Barker in Tivoli, Texas. He was the oldest of four children.

Red attended Aransas Pass High School and joined the United States Marine Corp in June 1943. He proudly served in World War II with the 3rd Marine Division in the South Pacific and was a Telephone Specialist. He participated in the invasion of Guam. Red earned the rank of Sergeant, qualified as an expert marksman, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1947. After the war, Red worked for L. W. Richardson Marine Construction until his retirement in 1988. While at L. W. Richardson Red completed many marine projects along the Texas coast.

On December 15th, 1945, Red married his high school sweetheart, Allie “Al” Lee Howery. They were married for over 71 years. They lived in North Carolina and California during the last year of Red’s enlistment and returned to Aransas Pass in 1947. Together they had two sons, Jesse “Ronny” R. Barker and Robert “Robby” L. Barker. Red built the home the family lived in, and he remained in that home until December 2024.

Red enjoyed fishing and hunting with his wife and sons. He built several skiffs for his family and others in the area. After retirement, he took up carving wood and created many treasured items, including carved ducks, fish, lamps, bowls, lighthouses, doll houses, and doll beds.

Red also cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He and Al would attend all their grandchildren’s dance recitals, games, and other events, whether in town or out of state. Summertime trips to the hill country often included one or two of the grandchildren as well.

If you knew Red, you knew he loved to tell stories or just sit and chat. He truly had the gift of gab. Even up until the last few weeks, Red’s mind was sharp and clear. He could recall every moment of his service in World War II as well as most of the events from that time. He also loved to share his childhood memories and experiences with his family. While you may have heard his stories many times, there was always something new or different to take away.

Red is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Al, his brother Allee M. Barker, and his sisters Emma Lou Wilson and Elaine Baird.

He is survived by his sons, Ronny (Pat) Barker and Robby Barker; grandchildren, Beth (Doug) Cotharn, Billy (Chelle) Barker, Crystal (Robert) Schoen, and Lea Ann (Charlie) Stevenson; great-grandchildren, Chaselynn (Richard) Zamudio, Erin (Colton) Davis, Hayden and Emmerson Barker, and Tripp Schoen; and great-great-grandchildren, Laynie and Rhettlynn Davis and Bryce and Bodie Zamudio. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation and funeral services will be Saturday, March 8th, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at Charlie Marshall Funeral Homes in Aransas Pass, Tx. Services will begin at 10:00 AM followed by interment at Prairie View Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Billy Barker, Hayden Barker, Doug Cotharn, Robert Schoen, Charlie Stevenson, and Colton Davis. The honorary pallbearer will be Tripp Schoen.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8th, 2025, at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, Texas. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, Texas. Interment to follow at Prairie View Cemetery.