Robert Lee Barker, 84, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Louisville, KY, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010. He was the son of the late Henry Hunter Barker, Sr. and Mary Frances Lee.
Robert enlisted in the US Marine Corps on July 2, 1943 and was assigned to Company A, 1st Batallion, 6th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He served in the South Pacific campaign, notably fighting in the battles of Saipan (where he was awarded the Purple Heart), Tinian, Tarawa, Okinawa, and the occupation of Japan.
His passion in life was aviation, spending countless hours in the cockpit. He was an avid golfer and artist, and an active member of the Aero Club of Louisville, the VFW Post #10093 and the DAV.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Pat Pardue Barker; a son, Scott (Karen) Barker of Bradenton, FL; four daughters: Pam (Harold) Childers of Pikeville, KY, Cindy (Wade) Fleming of Louisville, Michele (Tom) O’Leske of Lutz, FL, and Nicole (Israel) Depew of Togo, West Africa; eight grandchildren and a great grandson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Hunter Barker, Jr.
This simple, gracious, kind gentleman was laid to rest on March 15, 2010 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Full Military Honors were presented at 2:30 PM by the Marine Corps League of Spring Hill, Det. #74.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Jacksonville, FL. www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father. The memories of all he had done with live on for a long time.
PAT,WE ARE SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT BOB’S PASSING.WE WILL REMEMBER YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.HE WAS A FINE MAN.HOPE YOU ARE DOING OK.
Another “Gone West”. With my glass filled and held high. A Salute to you and the sky. A crash of glasses into the fireplace, as we have done many times. I say good-bye.
Semper Fi
“If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.”
Dear Shelly and family: My prayers are with all of you as I know how difficult it is to say farewell to one’s father. It’s so hard on the heart. I hope it’s a comfort for you to know that one day your sadness and tears will turn to smiles at the mere thought of him. Everything he ever taught you and fostered within you will be forever grateful for. God bless you and your family at this time.
My first flying expierence was with Bob. We flew from Jeffersonville to St. Louis Michele was a toddler in a car seat. Bob was very detailed with checking everything before we took off. He had so much pride in flying. I got to spend a summer with Bob, Pat and the girls and have many fond memories. One such memory is a time that Bob lost his funnel and was quite upset this has been a running joke ever since. He will be missed but I can only imagine the joy he felt when he was called back up to the sky.My thoughts are with you all.
To Pat, Michelle, Nicole and Bob’s entire family and to all the people who knew and loved him he will be sadley missed. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word whenever we saw him. Bob was a warm and welcome addition to our family when our son, Israel married his lovely daughter Nicole, we were all very fortunate to be together to welcome our grandchildren, first Joshua and then Abigail into the world. Bob, you are sadly missed and most warmly and forever remembered.
Pat and Family: I was so very sorry to read this. Pat, please e-mail me. Since we last corresponded, I have lost both Mom and Dad and would love to interact with extended family again. Thinking of you!
I just found this tribute while looking for information on my natural grandfather, Henry H. Barker Jr. I was unaware of the passing of my Great Uncle Bob. I was lucky enough to meet him on my 16th birthday, along with his wife Pat and his daughters Nicole and Michele. I have had a lot of birthdays since then, but I’ll never forget that one. I have often thought of my Uncle Bob and his family since that day.
I am proud to be a member of the Barker family, and I will always remember you with fondness. Thank you, Uncle Bob, for coming to see me on my birthday and for your service to our great country. Thank you for keeping alive the legacy of my grandfather 2nd Lt. Henry H Barker Jr. I wish I could have known him.
Semper fidelis!