Ossie Barker former resident of Hidalgo County area recently of Gallup NM born to Emma Mae Monk and Joe Bailey Barker on February 11, 1941 In Holdenville (Yeager), Oklahoma passed away on April 26, 2015 in Safford (Graham Co) Az.
He started driving a truck when he was 17 years old out of Animas Valley NM. He ran a successful trucking company for 50+ years. He also established and maintained a construction and mechanic business. He was known for his work ethic and love of machinery. He could design and repair anything. He drove in every continental state except Alaska and Hawaii including the international countries of Canada and Mexico. He was able to see and enjoy many of the beauties of this country.
One of his hobbies was restoring classic trucks, automobiles and antique motorcycles. He had a superb memory for History (local, family and world). He would hold a captive audience at any gathering with his baritone voice. He was known for his continual kindness to children, animals and those in need. He enjoyed people and made a friend out of everyone. Through his love of animals he rescued many, including deer, dogs (one being his pet wolf Lobo), and most recently his rescue horses. He also had a love for bird watching.
He attended his later years of school and graduated from Animas NM with Basketball, and Tennis awards and college credits. His thirst for knowledge led him in a life of continual learning, reading and studying. He enjoyed dancing and listening to oldies western music. From young to old, women were always smitten with his charm.
He taught us to respect, share, teach, prepare and plan, to always go the extra mile. He never quit, gave up or lost his desire to dream, create and set goals for himself and his family at large. He wasn't ready to leave this earthly journey, but he told us he was not afraid to follow his makers will. He reminded us to be grateful for your family, to do what is right and to stay strong.
Ossie Barker raised a family with Ila Fay Gordon Barker. He is survived by his children, Jolene Barker (Craig Williams), Colleen Barker (Vernon Leon Russell), Jason Barker (Sara Davis), his siblings Shirley Jo Barker (Jim Frank Cox), Quanah Barker (Loyal-Sonny Roark), Owen Barker (Elizabeth Quall), and Vinita Barker (Fred Dollarhide). Ossie Barker has 16 grandchildren: Tyson, Cory, Heather, Brent, Breanne, Colton, Justin, Landon, Kateri, Chanse, Norman, Stephen, Summer, Chris, Eli, and Max; 21 great grandchildren, Taylor, Joshua, Ryan J, Miranda, Levi, Jaden C, Diego, Kiersten, Jax, Bella, Ashton, Jaiden D, Hailey, Aven, Logan, Brielle, Ryan B, Jason, Maddie , Mason and his name sake due in May, Kendrick Ossie. He is also survived by his Sister in law Shirley Tibbs Barker, daughter in law Michelle Whipple two Aunts Essie Morrison , Margaret Bugli and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ossie was preceded in Death by his parents Joe Bailey Barker and Emma Mae Monk, Grandparents Cleve and Carrie Barker, Daniel and Bertha Letha Monk, his brothers O'Neil and JB Barker, his son Steven Waites, his grandsons Jason Bailey Barker and Augustus Michael Frie and his nieces Loye Lee Roark Hernandez and Heather Ann Alberti Williams
Graveside services will be held at the Barker Cemetery in Lordsburg, Hidalgo, NM Saturday May 2nd 2015 at 10:00 am. Viewing and sharing memories will be at 9 am. Preliminary arrangements provided by Vining Funeral Home Safford, AZ. Services and final burial provided by Baca's Funeral Home of Deming NM.
Pall Bearers are his loving grandsons Scott Tyson Williams, Cory Ryan Barker, Brenton Ray Barker, Colton Bert Barker, Justin Craig Barker, Landon Craig Williams.
Rather than flowers we will be planting memorial desertscape trees, rose bushes, shrubs at his final resting place in the Barker cemetery.
Any donation in his name to the homeless and or animal rescue would be an honor.
Honorary Pall Bearers are his friends Lino, Mack, Mike Stringfield and Bruce Nicholson.
Arrangements by Baca Funeral Home, Deming, NM