William Earl Barker

William Earl Barker, 82, died Friday, March 4, 2005, in Groom.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2005, in First United Methodist Church in Groom with the Rev. Welson Rives, pastor, and the Rev. David Kellley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Groom, officiating. Burial was held in Groom Cemetery under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors, Inc., of Clarendon.

Mr. Barker was born April 23, 1922, in Goodnight in Armstrong County and was a resident of Clarendon for several years before moving to Groom in 1960. He married Yvonne Howerton on October 17, 1942, at Clarendon. He had been a farmer and was employed at the Groom Grain Elevator prior to his retirement. He served in the Army during World War II and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Groom. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by two sisters.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Yvonne of Groom; one son, Earl Lynn Barker and wife Wanda of Groom; two daughters, Schellon Meek and husband Gerry of Big Sandy and Carla Reed and husband Jeff of Round Rock; four sisters, Viola Graham and Nova Mooring, both of Clarendon, Mary Murff of Brice, and Mildred Tomlinson of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; a brother, Don Barker of Amarillo; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be to First United Methodist Church in Groom or to the Zachary Vasquez Scholarship Fund, 1600 Pecan Pflugerville, TX 78660.