Richard N. Barker (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Richard Noel Barker, son of Jefferson Noel and Ruth E. Rice Barker, was born July 18, 1943, in Marion, Illinois. He departed this life Friday, July 2, 2010, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty-six years, eleven months, and fourteen days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; and a sister, Laura Geraldine Barker-Martin.
Richard is survived by a son, Robert Noel Barker, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Lebanon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Abram Noel, Alia Joyce, and Adlai Robert Barker, all of Lebanon, Missouri; a step-daughter, Lana Campbell, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; an aunt, Elizabeth Riley, and her husband, Ted, of the State of California; two nieces, Gayle Martin and Christine Martin-Corrales; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Richard, a Baptist, was born and raised in Southern Illinois and graduated from high school there. He served his country in the United States Navy. He lived in various locations including, Illinois, Arizona, and Wisconsin, before making his home in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1975. He had lived the last few years in Arkansas before recently returning to Lebanon. Early in his life he worked as a coin dealer and jeweler, but for most of his adult years he was in the amusement business, both owning and operating carnivals. He had a good business sense and managed operations both large and small.
In his spare time he enjoyed collecting books, coins, movies, ball cards, and investment art, which often became successful business opportunities. He also had an interest in genealogy and enjoyed tracing his family history. He was a friendly man that liked visiting with his family and friends all across the country.
Richard was a loving father, grandfather, and nephew, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the memories he made for them throughout the years.
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