Ralph Eugene Barker
February 19, 1948 ~ April 4, 2023
Ralph Eugene Barker, 75, of Wyanet, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Genesis Hospital in Davenport, Iowa.
He was born in Princeton, IL on Feb. 19, 1948, to Carl LaVern "Jake" and Lola Mae (Turner) Barker of Wyanet. He graduated from Wyanet High School, Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. He married Donna Helle on May 1, 1976, at Princeton Bible Church.
He was on staff for two years with Youth for Christ in Michigan, before moving home to work in the family business, Barker Milling and Grain and Barker Energy. He retired from AgView FS in 2013. Ralph was a lifelong follower of Jesus. He deeply loved his family and they deeply loved him. He loved the local church and being of service to others.
Ralph is survived by his wife, along with their three daughters, Anjee (Dan) Thorp of Bridgeport, Michigan, Clarissa (Ryan) Coley, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Lisa Barker of Wyanet. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Addi, Emma, Asa, and Lucy Thorp, and Brynn and Brooklyn Coley; one sister Beverly (Tom) Odell of Wyanet, and one brother Everett (Terrie) Barker, of McAllen, Texas; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023 at Grant Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton. Memorials may be directed to the Evangelical Covenant Church Benevolent Fund.
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Praying for your family during this difficult time. Blessings!
We so look forward to seeing old friends again for eternity! We trust these precious promises will see you through the loss you feel. Blessings to the family.
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time! God be with you all!
To Donna, Beverly, Everett and your entire family,
It is with a heavy heart that I am sending you all my sincere condolences in the passing of Ralph. I was shocked to read of his passing in the Barker Bulletin. I know that the Barker family will surround each other with love and support during this difficult time.
Knowing that so many of you are traveling great distances, I pray for your safety.
I know that Uncle Jake and Aunt Mae welcomed him with open arms. The Lord be with you all. Your cousin, Linda
There are barely words to express… Aunt Donna, girls & family, my deepest condolences for your loss. May you treasure a life well lived, hold dear the family & friends he loved and adored, and keep the memories of a God loving, humble, kind, quiet man, husband, father, son, brother whom dedicated his life to the Lord give your hearts peace until you meet him again❤️. I love you all very much. Jodie.
We are so very sorry for your loss! Sending prayers.
We had the pleasure of knowing Ralph all the years we attended Church at PBC. Ralph was a kind and gentle man. His smile was so kind and welcoming. Ralph will be missed. So sorry for your loss Donna and the girls and family.
I am so very sorry for your families loss!
A Beautiful family, a God honoring legacy! My love & prayers for all of your family, as you miss his physical presence here, but let God comfort your hearts. Knowing one day – we all who have trusted in Jesus will be united forever!