Richard Jerry Barker

Richard Jerry Barker was born Feb. 8, 1939 in Mountain Grove, to Ernest James and Hazel (Brumley) Barker. He passed away Friday, Nov. 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; Sheila McCormick, of Henderson, Ky.; and Candy Haddock, of Mountain Grove; grandchildren, Sheila Hemby, of Spanaway, Wash.; Sarah Grover, of Mountain Grove, Jeremy Barker, of Mountain Grove; Shane Barker, of Mountain Grove; Colton McCormick, of Henderson, Ky.; Brady Haddock, of Cabool; and Brett Haddock, of Mountain Grove; 10 great-grandchildren; and other loving family and friends. A visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. A graveside service will take place Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Lone Star Cemetery, Mountain Grove, with Bro. Zach Pridemore officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Barker, Jim Barker, Jeremy Barker, Shane Barker, Brady Haddock and Brett Haddock.Interment will take place in Lone Star Cemetery, Mountain Grove, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. Online condolences: craighurttfuneralhome.com.