Richard Barker

Richard Jerry Barker was born February 8, 1939, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Ernest James and Hazel (Brumley) Barker. He passed away Friday, November 28, 2025 at his home in Mountain Grove at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 20 days.

Richard met the love of his life, Wanda Joyce Darter, at a Nazarene Church. Later, in 1974, they were married in Mountain Grove. He worked with the Brown Shoe Company for over 39 years at both their Mountain Grove and Cabool locations, retiring as a foreman. Upon his retirement, Richard often traveled with his wife, Wanda, by his side.

Richard found enjoyment in the simple things of life. He could often be found sitting outside, tanning in the sun. He loved woodworking. Often, he would quietly go to his woodshop and make wooden toys for his grandkids when they wanted something new to play with. He enjoyed gardening, especially growing his tomatoes. He liked to go deer hunting and wear anything orange. It is said, he would often wear his orange coveralls whether it was deer season or not! Richard was known for living by the saying and telling his family, “Everything can be repurposed!” However, Richard’s greatest passions, other than his family, were his Fur Buddies (his dogs) and Ford Mustangs!

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and two brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Wanda Barker; son, Jerry Barker (Rita) of Mountain Grove; daughters, Terri Procter (David) of Mountain View, Missouri, Sheila McCormick of Henderson, Kentucky and Candy Haddock of Mountain Grove; grandchildren, Sheila Hemby of Spanaway, Washington, Sarah Grover of Mountain Grove, Jeremy Barker of Mountain Grove, Shane Barker of Mountain Grove, Colton McCormick of Henderson, Kentucky, Brady Haddock of Cabool, Missouri, and Brett Haddock of Mountain Grove; 10 great-grandchildren and other loving family and friends.