Howard W. Barker       Howard W. Barker, 71, of Mexico, died at 8:42 p.m. June 9, 2009, at his home in Mexico. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Kentucky Road Christian Church with Pastor Jonathan Ingram and Rev. Eldon Wilson officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. at Pickering Funeral Home. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park. Mr. Barker was born on March 7, 1938, in Mexico, a son of Paul Arvin and Genevieve Lee (Smith) Barker. On Aug. 14, 1960, in Mexico, he married Shirley Gibbons, who survives at the home. He operated his own farm for more than 30 years, and for the past 18 years has been manager of Fish Branch Angus Farms. He and his wife also owned and operated Puppy Love Haven until 2002, and for many years he operated a feed and Nachurs fertilizer business. He loved spending time with his grandkids, and his life centered around his church and family. He was a charter member of Kentucky Road Christian Church, where he was very active and served as an Elder. He and his wife were also the church’s first youth leaders. He was a member of the Pork Producers and National Farmer Organization. He and his wife served as foster parents for many children. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, major league baseball, and rodeos. In addition to his wife, survivors include one son, Dan Barker and wife Robin, Mexico; one daughter, Debbie Barker Usnick and husband Tom, Mexico; one brother Lyndal Barker and wife Ruthie, Benton City, two sisters, Shirley Kruse and husband Norman, Hyattsville, Md., and Beverley Whitaker, Tallahassee, Fla.; six grandchildren, Robert and wife Kristin Usnick, Christopher and wife Samantha White, Emily, Katie and Casey Usnick, and Mia and Daniel Barker; four great grandchildren; and his step-mother, Rheva Tratchel, Mexico. His step-father, Robert Tratchel, parents and two great grandchildren preceded him in death. Memorials may be given to Kentucky Road Christian Church, Central Christian College of the Bible, or the Benton City Cemetery Association. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy For the past three years, Howard has been a role model for me as I lead my family. He was not a pillar of the church because he would never stand still long enough. God bless Shirley and the kids! We'll all miss Howard! Howard was a wonderful man, who would help anyone anytime. I can still see him with a glass of iced tea. I think he would do anything for a glass. He was one of the nicest and, without a doubt, the hardest working person that I have ever known. He never new a stranger. The world definitely needs more people like him. He will be missed by all that knew him! Heaven will be a better place now! cheri and i are saddened to learn of howards passing. we are out of the country and will be unable to attend his services but your family is in our prayers. i will always remember howards gift of laughter and willingness to help others. dan Pickering Funeral Home extends our sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Barker. We are honored they have allowed us to assist them during this time. Dear Shirley. I just wanted to let you know how much you and Howard meant to me when I was growing up. It seems like yesterday I was baby sitting for your children and now my boys are 26 and 30. You and your family were terrific role models. I know I live far away, but I will try to get in touch the next time I am in Mexico. God bless you and your family. Marie Kotsubo (McDonald)

Private Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at office@pickeringfh.com  
please include the family name in the subject line