Kenneth Barker

Kenneth Ruel Barker, age 87, of Riesel, passed away early Monday morning, July 3, 2023 at Providence Village Hospice in Waco.

Graveside Service will be held 10:00 am Thursday, July 6, 2023 at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, with Deacon Ronnie Sykora officiating, followed by Military Honors conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard and Masonic Burial Rites.

Kenneth was born January 31, 1936 in Cleburne, the son of J. D. and Sarah (Martin) Barker, and was mentored in life by the old Indian, Mr. Feazel. He was a graduate of Cleburne High School. Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Kenneth was past Master Mason and a 2009 recipient of the Golden Trowel Award from West Masonic Lodge #475, a member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Waco and a noble of the Karem Shrine Temple of Waco. He worked as a boiler maker for TPL Railroad in Cleburne and as a boiler plant operator at Marlin Veterans Hospital for many years until his retirement. Kenneth enjoyed working on his ranch, watching western movies, was an avid Baylor Fan, and loved hunting and fishing with his grandson Beau.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Kenneth "Kenny" Barker Jr. and Lex Barker.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 37 years, Ione Vincent Barker of Riesel; his children, Kathryn Galvez and husband Danny and Gina Sterling and husband Mike, all of Robinson, Toni Norton of Elm Mott, and Dana Smotherman and husband Ken Jr. of West; his grandchildren, Brandi, Michael "MJ", Keisha and husband Josh, Lindsey and husband Jason, Trey, Kasey and husband Eric, Whitney, and Beau; his great grandchildren, Dillon, Gabriel, Dreydon, Ava, Michael, Kennedy, Phoenix, and O'Siris; and many friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masonic Charities Foundation or St. Mary's School Library Fund.