Larry Gale Barker

Larry Gale Barker, 77, of Salem, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in Batesville, Arkansas. Larry was born on September 1, 1944, in Salem, Arkansas son of Luther Sylvester Barker and Nola Lou (Maguffee) Barker.  

Larry was married to JoAnn Walker on December 27, 1967, in Salem, Arkansas. He retired after thirty-one years working at NAEC (Ash Flat and Mountain Home offices). He very much loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved going to sporting events and activities and cheering all of them on. He was a Kansas City Chiefs fan, loved spending time and sharing stories at Swingles, and would lend a hand or help anyone or offer them work for “$5 an hour”. He was known as “Poppa Larry” by all the kids at Early Horizons and loved spending time at the daycare, seeing the kids, and just sitting in the office chair aggravating the staff. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and was a member of Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas.  

He is survived by his three daughters, Vickie Barker of Salem, Arkansas, Rebecca Gray and husband Keith of Salem, Arkansas and Nikki Turner and husband Matt of Salem, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Zach Barker, Jessica Brown, JJ Gray and wife Caitlyn, Riley Gray, Natalie Gray, Dillon Turner, Katelyn Zilke, Kara Zilke, Jordan Turner, and Kamden Turner; four great grandchildren, Kenly Brown, Hadley Brown, Jaxon Gray, and Elizabeth Gray; companion/spiritual partner, Maryllen Henry of Salem, Arkansas; brother, Gary Barker and wife Judy; sister-in-law, Hazel Barker; special grandson, Louis Brandt; many nieces and nephews; many other family and friends; He was preceded in death by his wife (JoAnn “Walker” Barker), two granddaughters (Micah Ann and Malleigh), parents (Luther and Nola Barker), two brothers (Rodney Barker and Roy Barker and wife Anna Lee), and sister (Evelyn Skidmore and husband Udell).  

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Alan Winberry and Bro. Gary Barker officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Zach Barker, Kamden Turner, Jordan Turner, Dillon Turner, JJ Gray, Riley Gray, Lonny Brown, Matt Turner, and Keith Gray. Honorary pallbearers are Roy Cunningham, Harold Estes, Randall Tyler, Steve Barker, Bruce Barker, Neil Barker, Justin Tyler, Cory Tyler, and Luke Barker. Memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home LLC of Salem, Arkansas.