Rex Barker

Rex AKA "Hoot" Barker, a man who could catch a catfish with one hand tied behind his back and fix a tractor with the other, has cast his final line on December 23, 2025. Rex was a man who lived life with profound kindness that would make even the most adventurous souls tip their hats.
After bravely serving as an electrician in the Navy, Rex returned to his roots and became a dairy farmer in Bolivar, MO with his beloved wife, Brenda, who predeceased him. Rex left behind a legacy in the form of his three sons: the late Steven "Ruke" Barker. Adam "Dunk" Barker, along with his wife, Stephanie, who probably picked up a thing or two about patience from Rex. Josh "Bo" Barker with his wife, Ashley, who undoubtedly inherited their father's knack for tinkering in the shop.
Rex's life was a tapestry woven with the laughter with his fishing buddies, friends and eight grandchildren: Sabrina Fields, Garret Fields, Nova Girten, Grayson Barker, Dayvin Barker, Drew Barker, Dyson Barker, and Paisley Barker. Let's not forget his two great-grandchildren, Aspen and Dax Fields.
Rex had three brothers as well. Bill "Booger" Barker and his wife Diane, Gary "Googy" Barker and his wife Jan. And of course his little brother the late Larry "Lewis" Barker who was his lifelong fishing buddy.
Rex, a FairPlay High School alumni, never lost his touch for the simple pleasures. When he wasn't fishing, he spent countless hours tinkering in his shop. A fan of action movies, he lived his life with the same zeal and humor you'd find in a summer blockbuster.
To describe Rex, words like kind, funny, and handy come to mind. He was the kind of guy who'd offer you the shirt off his back and then help you fix the one you were already wearing. Rex, always quick with a joke, especially if it could lighten the mood or bring a smile to your face.
So here's to Rex "Hoot" Barker, a man who lived, loved, and laughed with the kind of unabashed joy that could light up a room. As we say our goodbyes, let's do it with a grin, because that's undoubtedly how Rex would have wanted it. Keep your fishing lines tight heaven has gained one heck of a fisherman.
A small graveside service will be in the future. Followed with a fish fry to celebrate his life.
In leu of flowers, Rex wished for donations to go to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.