David Barker, 68, of Oelwein passed away Wednesday May 13, 2020. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to: David Barker’s Benefit Account, at Veridian Credit Union.
David Christy Barker was born in Oelwein on February 20, 1952 to parents Donald and Sylvia (Wheeler) Barker. He graduated from Oelwein High School. Dave Joined the National Guard and served Active Duty during the Vietnam War era. Dave was united in marriage with Laura Eick and they later divorced. In May of 1985 he was united in marriage with Pearl Moore until she passed away. In September of 2016 he was united in marriage with his companion of 14 years, Annette Lausier-Johnson.
Dave had served as Chief of Police in Hawkeye and as a Reserve Police Officer in Oelwein. Dave also worked as a security Guard at Mercy Hospital. He later worked construction for many years.
David was a good man who had many titles; from brother, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, friend, to contractor, police officer and military personnel. He valued hard work, honesty and family above all. He had no biological children; however, 7 people called him dad. Some of them adopted, some he raised, and others he just loved, nurtured, and encouraged. All of them were his children. He worried about them, and was there for them when he was needed, even when they disappointed him, or they didn't need him. He loved them all like a father does. He enjoyed his grandchildren; teaching them lessons they needed and loving them, even the ones he couldn't be with. He valued his family; they made him who he was from the beginning. Starting with his parents, his brothers and sisters. He loved them all, and even when they had different views, he listened to them and understood. He loved all his nieces and nephews, whether biological or through marriage, and mentored many. Dave loved all his friends, and did all he could for them. He spent his life in service to others, from his military service and police work, to construction, where he built a business by word of mouth because of his honesty, integrity and willingness to stand by his work. He fixed or built a lot of homes and businesses in, and around Oelwein. His handiwork can be seen everywhere. He loved animals and took in some that had no one, and he would vet many stray cats to prevent over population and keep them healthy. He enjoyed music and classic muscle cars as hobbies. Dave fought a long, hard battle with cancer, shocking even his doctors with his strength. He touched so many in his life and many, would not be who they are without him. He will be deeply missed by his family and community.
Left to celebrate Dave’s life is his wife Annette Barker; his children: Valerie Schaedel, Linda Roland, Joseph Barker, Julie Evans, Jennifer Dison, Sarah Johnson and Brian Johnson; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his siblings: Kenneth Barker, Monte (Sue) Barker, Pam Walters, Bryan (Sheryl) Barker, Bruce (Deb) Barker, Hal (Joelyn) Barker, Judith Barker, Bob (Sherri) Barker and Cindy Walters; his many nieces and nephews; his many in-laws; and his best friend Al Hendershott.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Pearl; his ex-wife Laura; his siblings: Donald Barker, Tim Barker, Jeff Barker and Pat Wagner; his sisters-in-law: Rita Barker and Lorna Barker; his brother-in-law Todd Walters; and his grandson Nathanial Doty.
