Max Lee Barker

BARKER, Max Lee
Lt. Col. USAF Ret. Max L. Barker passed away on February 27, 2008, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 85 years of age. He was born March 6, 1922 in Jaroso, CO, the third child of ten, to Joy and Ruth Barker. In 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps and was sent to flight training in Santa Ana, CA. After he earned his wings in 1943, he piloted B-17s for 50 missions during WWII from Foggia, Italy, with the 97th Bomb Group. During his 30-year Air Force career, he also flew in Korea and Vietnam, in addition to several bases in the United States, amassing over 10,000 hours flying time before his retirement to Sacramento in 1972. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and several Commendation Medals. After his Air Force retirement, he worked at Emigh Hardware from 1976 until 1991. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians and SIRS. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy; three children, Barry Barker of Weimar, CA, Barbara Swift (John) of Yuba City, CA, and Beverly Barnes (Rick) of Carmichael, CA; and four grandchildren, Justin Barnes (Crystal) of Vista, CA, Adam Barnes (Stacy) of Folsom, CA, Mark Swift of Yuba City, CA, and Ciera Barker of Weimar, CA. He is also survived by his former daughter-in-law, Wendy Barker of Applegate, CA; siblings, Charlotte Walberg of Simla, CO, Lyle Barker (Evelyn) of Liberal, MO, Helen Dean of Sylmar, CA, David Barker (Jean) of Joplin, MO, Dodo Lutz (Gene) of Lafayette, LA, Peggy Chavez (Charlie) of Mariposa, CA, Duane Barker (Joy) of Springfield, MO; and sisters-in-law, Helen Barker of Gering, NE, Jackie Barker of Mobile, AL, Eadie Knight of Newport News, VA, and Evelyn Jones of Newport News, VA. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Merle Barker and Dr. Ted Barker. At his request, no services will be held. Donations in Max's name can be made to Campion Academy, 300 SW 42nd Street, Loveland, CO 80537.