Walton L. ""Bill"" Barker's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Walton L. ""Bill"" Barker, age 80 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at Noon on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until Service time. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.Bill was born March 17, 1930 in Lewisport, Kentucky a son of the late James and Pearl (Moore) Barker. He married Beulah Sago in December of 1953 and they celebrated nearly forty-two years of marriage and friendship prior to her death on February 18, 1996. Bill is survived by three sons, Robert Barker and wife Debbie of Charleston, Billy Ray Barker and wife Connie of Missouri, James Barker of Charleston; a daughter Lori Barker, also of Charleston; twelve grandchildren, Brittany, Robbie, Billy Joe and wife Amy, Jennifer, Cassandra, Katie, Sara, Jonathan, Amanda, Brandon, Janie and Braden; great-grandchildren; a sister, Clara Cravens of Indiana; a brother, Joe Barker of Neoga; nieces and nephews including Mrs. Ron (Marge) Blake, Jamie Barker and Jeff Barker who live locally. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, James Barker and a sister, Christine Sexton.Bill was a proud United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War. He was a retired farmer's hired hand and for many years was employed by various farmers in the Coles County area. He was a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592.Bill enjoyed being outdoors and loved to fish. He was especially fond of camping, a love he shared with Beulah as they created many fond memories with their family at the campgrounds. He enjoyed watching NASCAR but his passion was for stock car racing - a passion which was enhanced by the family members who shared this love with him. Many will recall seeing Bill proudly riding round Charleston on his three-wheeled bicycle of which he was so fond. Bill's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy for him and he was devoted in his attendance and support of the many activities of which they were a part. Bill will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by his family and friends - their memories are now treasures they hold dear.
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