William Edgar Barker

1938 - 2023

William Edgar Barker Friday, March 10, 2023, William Edgar Barker, beloved son, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and faithful servant, passed away at the age of 85 in Frisco, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by his family at 5:00 pm, March 18th at 3995 Preston Hills Circle, Celina, TX.

William (Bill) was born on January 9, 1938 to Elmer Francis Barker and Avo Marie Barker in Hobbs, New Mexico. Bill was the oldest of five siblings. Growing up in Hobbs and Lubbock, Texas, Bill loved to spend time with his family, exploring the outdoors, collecting, and enjoying movies at the matinee. Bill graduated from Lubbock High School and attended Texas Tech University.

While visiting his family in Cortez, Colorado, Bill met the love of his life, Gloria Ann Barker. He entered the U.S. Air Force in July and the two were married on December 24, 1959. While stationed in Roswell, New Mexico the couple welcomed their son, William Edgar Barker, Jr., and daughter, Elizabeth Ann Barker. Soon thereafter, Bill was stationed in Izmir, Turkey where daughter, Katherine Marie Barker, was born. While stationed in San Antonio, Texas their son, Jeffery Todd Barker was born. Throughout the rest of his 20 year career in the Air Force, the family lived in Oahu, Hawaii and San Angelo, Texas where he retired in 1979.

Following his retirement, Bill became a successful real estate agent in San Angelo. During this time, Bill felt God calling him to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended Rhema Bible College. Bill and Gloria spent the next 38 years in this city faithfully serving the Lord. During this time, Bill also enjoyed his passion of meeting people and selling his collectibles at nearby flea markets. He opened Bill's Collectibles in downtown Jenks, Oklahoma. His big smile and joyful presence were appreciated by everyone who met him.

Bill was a devoted family man and loved nothing more than to spend time with friends, family and grandchildren. He attended countless football and soccer games, spoiled his grandchildren with candy, and entertained them with stories, movies and special outings. He made it a point to share his love for timepieces by giving each grandchild their own new wristwatch. He never missed an opportunity to say, "I love you" and to give a warm hug.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Jim Barker, Marjorie Dunkerson, and Myrna Kay Schenk.

He is survived by many friends and family who love him dearly including his wife of 63 years, Gloria; his sister, Susan Sevening; children Bill Barker, Jr. and his wife Stephenie, Elizabeth Medders and her husband David, Kathy Lawmaster and her husband Jesse, and Jeff Barker and his wife Malissa; grandchildren Christina, Bill III, Brandon, Brooke, Joshua, Kristen, Amber, Lindsey, Johnathan, Coleman, and Hannah; and 12 great-grandchildren.