L. G. Barker was born December 18, 1920 to Walter C. and Effie (Hooper) Barker in De Leon, Texas. He passed from this life to his heavenly home April 15, 2017. He came home on leave from the army and married his sweetheart Uarda Mae Maltby May 24, 1944 in Eastland, Texas. L. G and Uarda were married 72 years.

L.G. is survived by son, Gary Barker and wife, Linda, of Lake Limestone, Texas; daughter, Linda Barker Smith of De Leon; daughter, Jamie Harper and husband, Johnie, of Ft. Worth; grandchildren, Fred McCarty and wife, Julie, of Grapevine, Garrett Barker and wife, Rachael, of Rockdale, Texas, Harrold McCarty and wife, Kelly, of De Leon, Amanda Gilmore and husband, Brandon, of De Leon, Christie Owen and husband, Richard, of De Leon, Warren McCarty of De Leon, Caycee Richardson and wife, Tonya, of Glen Rose; 11 great-grandkids; a host of nieces and nephews; and many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Uarda, parents Walter and Effie Barker, his siblings Elton, Felton and Troy Barker, Vera Joiner and Thelma Dyson and one grandchild Kari Lea Barker.

L.G. served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was inducted in September 1942 and was honorably discharged in December 1945. He served in the Pacific Theater as a machine gunner assistant during the Japanese assault of the Aleutian Islands. He later served in the European Theater as a combat engineer, a soldier who performs a variety of construction and demolition tasks, under combat conditions in Germany, France and Belgium. He built floating minis (temporary bridges) across the Rhine River at Koblenz. He earned 11 decorations including bronze stars in the Asiatic Theater and the European Theater. L.G. was very proud to have served his country.

L.G. was a long-time resident of De Leon moving to the farm in 1950. He enjoyed family get togethers at the farm. He and Uarda opened their home to many family gatherings through the years. Many of those years he joined the kids, grandkids and nephews riding motorcycles over numerous trails on the farm. He always had a large garden where he grew all types of vegetables and melons. Vast amounts of peas were picked and shelled by all ages. Holiday gatherings included hunting, fishing, water skiing and listening to grandkids picking guitar. L.G. held much pride in his farm and especially his family legacy.

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Brother Daniel Harper officiating. Pallbearers were Fred McCarty, Garrett Barker, Harrold McCarty, Warren McCarty, Caycee Richardson, Brandon Gilmore and Richard Owen. Honorary pallbearers were Travis Aven, Terry Lemaster and Dale Barker.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, in honor of L.G.