Dr. Robert Barker

Dr. Robert Barker, 71, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Cox Center, Springfield, surrounded by his immediate family. He was born on Oct. 11, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, to Burl and Jerline (Bullard) Barker.
Barker was a 1965 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. He attended Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Barker went on to earn a master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate at Midwestern Theological Seminary.
Barker was licensed into the ministry on Feb. 10, 1965, and spent his entire career serving his lord and savior, including years as a foreign missionary in Venezuela, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Odessa, and finishing his career as chaplain at Integris Baptist Medical Center, Miami, Okla. Barker retired from full-time ministry in 2010, but continued to find ways to serve with various volunteer positions.
Barker was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Jerline; a sister, JoAnn Hood; and parents-in-law, GD and Virgie (Russell) Parrack.
Barker is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Joyce (Parrack) Barker, of Republic; a daughter, Blenda Moore, and her son, Andres of Mt. Vernon; a son, Brent, his wife, Sarah, and their daughters, Hannah and Katelynn of Billings; a daughter, Amy of Monett; a son, Aaron, his wife Laura, and their children, William and Anna Joy of Barnhart. He is also survived by brothers, Roger and wife Jan of Republic; Keith and wife Kay of Mt. Vernon, Brian of Mt. Vernon, and Dean of Mt. Vernon. Barker also had a large extended family that included many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Services were held Friday, April 12, 2019, in Calvary Baptist Church in Republic, under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the following charities: Samaritan’s Purse, Summit Cemetery Association (Mt. Vernon) or Calvary Baptist Church Youth Building Fund (Republic). Family and friends may share online condolences at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.