David E. Barker

David E. Barker

SPRINGFIELD - David Eugene Barker, 73, of Springfield, formerly of Beardstown, passed away on August 6, 2010, at Heritage Manor ContinuCare in Springfield.

He was born on September 14, 1936, in Bedford, Iowa, to Everette Roy and Daisy (Roach) Barker Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Virginia Dale (Winscott) Barker; two daughters, Kimberly Dawn (husband, Clint) Stark, and Susan Dale (husband, Eric) Warren, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Whitney Kate Warren of Belleville, Illinois and Meredith Warren, Hannah Warren and Heath Warren, all of Springfield; Sister, Lois (husband, Ralph) Nulph of Decatur, Iowa; brother, George (wife, Leona) Barker also of Iowa; Niece, Vicky Halverson; Nephews, Gary (wife, Deb) Toney, and Bob Toney. There are several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Everett Barker Jr.

David served in the United States Army (1953-1960) with the 865th Anti-Aircraft Unit and with the 8th Army Headquarters DMZ Police during the Korean War. He was highly decorated for his overseas duty including a National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, Marksman Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He then served with the Illinois National Guard (1960-1969), and the United States Disaster Relief Command (2001-2009) retiring from service with the rank of Major General.

He worked for the United States Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island district where he was employed as a Lock and Dam Operator at the LaGrange Lock and Dam. He and his wife, Dale, spent many of the last 20 years living in Thayer, Missouri before returning to Illinois.

David loved to read and was an avid student of all things military. He was a skilled marksman and enjoyed target shooting. He loved traveling throughout the United States, especially through Colorado's Royal Gorge and the western United States.

David was a member of the Thayer (Missouri) Methodist Church and attended South Side Christian Church in Springfield.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. where visitation will be on Monday August 9, 2010 from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday August 10, 2010 at the funeral home at 10:30 am with Pastor John Wentz officiating. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery with the United States Army and the Inter-veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County providing full military honors.

Those that wish may direct memorial contributions to the Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Springfield, Illinois.

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.