Larry Barker

Larry Joseph Barker, 88, passed to the arms of Jesus and joined his wife, Lucy, on October 28, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Larry will be remembered by four children.  Three sons Larry Hodge, Johnny (Rhonda) Barker and Glenn (Stephanie) Barker.  His favorite (and only!) daughter, Karen (Danny) Young.

He leaves behind six grandchildren.  Diana Hodge Baker, Brent, Clint and Mark Young, John Barker and Dawn Adams.  Also 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-greats.

Larry is survived by his mother Ruth Sitton, who is 103 years old.  Also sisters Elizabeth Kruse, Joyce and Judith Barker and brothers Allen and Dee Barker.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lucy.   Also C.H. Barker and Eldred (Corky) Barker.

Larry was born in Seattle, Washington, living his early childhood there.  Many days were spent on "the farm" with his grandparents Dan and Till Barker.  As a youth, he fished off the coasts of Washington and Alaska and lumbered trees with his Dad and Grandad.

At the early age of 17, Larry enlisted in the military on November 7th, 1951.  Having served 13 years between the Marines, Seabees and Navy, he was among the dwindling number of Korean Veterans.  He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and others.

After retiring from the military, Larry continued heavy equipment work until becoming a Lock and Dam Operator for the Army Corps of Engineers and retired after 20 years. The family also made the move back to Lucy's home state of Arkansas where Larry learned about ticks and chiggers and how to eat real food like purple hull peas!

Every summer was spent gardening and canning.  But there was always time for a summer camping trip--nothing fancy--the home built pull trailer, lawn chairs, tents, pots and pans, ice chests and always the bears!  Later he and Lucy progressed to a small RV and expanded their travels.  Several summers Larry drove a big diesel bus for a youth mission group called the Collegiate Crusade for Christ, traveling the US preaching and singing the gospel.

Falls were spent in the Pig Trail woods hunting with grandsons and Glenn.  The stories that could be told!

Larry and Lucy later retired to Las Vegas.

In late April of 2021, Larry was privileged to go on the Southern Nevada Honor Flight thanks to the hard work of Charm MceIree.

Larry may have had a gruff exterior at times, but he was always there to give a helping hand. He was loved, will be missed and was our Hero.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Larry's name at this link: www.honorflightsouthernnevada.com