Viles W. Barker

Viles Wayne Barker, 95, formerly of Lena and McConnell, IL passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Ascension Living in Freeport, Illinois. He was born on March 26, 1929, in Oneco Township to Orville and Gladys (Reeser) Barker. Viles proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953, during the Korean Conflict. He was a proud member of the McConnell American Legion. Viles farmed for most of his life and also drove School bus for Orangeville School District for over 7 years. He was also a member of the Orangeville Odd Fellows Lodge for many years.
Viles was always out fixing farm machinery. He went to HCC and learned how to weld and would spend hours "playing" with his welder. He was proud of his talent. Viles loved to read "Hoard's Dairyman" magazine. He always had a stack of magazines on the floor around his recliner. His children learnt at an early age NOT to touch these magazines as he had them "sorted out" by articles! He later did his own artificial breeding and had a large herd of the "red and white" Holstein cows that he was extremely proud of.
You could find him in the evenings tinkering with his CB radios or playing his accordion. As a child, his children had to "suffer" through the Lawrence Welk TV shows with him; however, his children loved watching Happy Days and Hogan's Heroes. Viles would always have a "smart" joke or marine story to toss in during the show.
On the weekends you find Viles at a dance kicking up his heels! He was an avid fan of the Greg Anderson band and traveled with them to many of their gigs! Viles was well known for all his stories and jokes. He loved a good practical joke, and you never knew what silliness he would come up with.
Viles is survived by his four children- Orville Wayne (Linda) Barker of Clearwater, Florida, Cynthia M. Meyer of Pearl City, Gregory W. (Theresa) Barker of McConnell, and Karen Barker (Bret Olson) of Freeport; grandchildren- Tiffany Barker, Taylor Barker, Aaron Smith, Todd (Heather) Barker, Tonya Barker, Careena (Mike) Shippert, Callie Barker (Troy Doty), Cassidy Tempel, Nickolas (Miranda) Tempel, and Brandi (Steven) Hohensee; 13 great grandchildren; sister- Coyla (Edgar) Dahms.
Viles was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mildred; parents- Orville and Gladys; grandchild Peter Barker and great grandchild Ariel Barker; two sisters- Vera Phillips and Lela Phillips.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home in Orangeville with a visitation before, from 9:00-11:00 AM.
Pastor Tim Wauchope will be officiating the services.
Interment will be held at Chapel Hill in Freeport, Illinois.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
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