Lyndon Wayne Barker

Lyndon Wayne Barker died June 30th, 2014. He was 82 years old. He was a devoted husband, loving father and doting grandfather/great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents Warner and Bertha Barker, a brother, Vane Barker and a daughter, Marian Barker as well as many extended family members and friends. The reunion on the other side was surely joyous as those of us left behind mourn his passing. Those left to grieve include his wife of 60 years, Edna Barker, a sister, Fanchion Kirkendoll, a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Lisa Barker, a daughter and son-in-law, Cathy Barker-Brown and Garrett Brown, grandchildren, Christie Harshaw and her husband, JuJu Harshaw, Jake Joseph, Megan Barker and Kristin Barker, and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Hayden Harshaw and a host of extended family and friends. Lyndon was a devout Christian and member of Amboy Baptist Church for over 50 years. He lived his life by his faith and loved singing hymns and he has certainly found his way into the heavenly choir adding his voice to the bass section. Lyndon served his country during the Korean War as a member of the US Navy. After being honorably discharged, he found employment with the Rock Island Railroad and spent over 20 years there as a loyal employee. He counted his co-workers as lifelong friends and routinely got together for luncheons long after the railroad had ceased operations. Fishing for trout on the White River was an activity he loved and loved to share. He spent many hours on the river with a line in the water. He was the kind of father who loved to spend time with his children and delighted in taking his children hunting and fishing, instilling in them a love for the outdoors. Unlike many fishermen, he enjoyed sharing his "honey holes" and got much joy in seeing others catch a fish. The end result was often a fresh fish meal complete with beans and fried potatoes. For the past 10 years, Lyndon had served his community at the Amboy Food Bank as a volunteer and board member. He loved his fellow volunteers and spent countless hours helping to get food to people in need. He often led the volunteers in words of prayer and songs of praise and these will be greatly missed among those who shared in his service. Lyndon loved the Arkansas Razorbacks and called the Hogs with gusto, no matter the season. Football, basketball or baseball-he followed them all. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals too. If umpires and referees are allowed in heaven, he certainly has a few bones to pick with them as he was convinced they all hated the Razorbacks and deliberately blew calls to ensure victory for the opposing team. Last and certainly not least, he made the best peanut brittle and the best chicken-n-dumplings you could ever hope to eat. Anyone who was lucky enough to sample his wares was blessed indeed. He loved to cook and was delighted when others could share in his talents. Apparently God was craving some good home cooking and saw fit to call Lyndon home, leaving us with only memories. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Amboy Baptist Church, 5628 McArthur Dr., North Little Rock, Ark. 72118. Interment will follow at 5:30 p.m. at Piney Cemetery, Waveland, Ark. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, (501-791-7400). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Amboy Community Food Pantry in memory of Lyndon. Amboy Community Food Pantry, 100 Auburn Dr., NLR, Ark. 72118, 501-753-2777 Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.