Larry Barker

Larry Joe Barker 77 of Bethany, IL. Passed away Thursday May 11, 2023 at Sullivan Healthcare, in Sullivan, IL. surrounded by family. Larry was born November 14,1945 in Strasburg, IL. to Burl Curtis Barker and Margaret Elizabeth (Volkman) Barker. Larry married his former wife, Wanda Sue Webb, June 14,1968 in Sullivan, IL. They were married nearly 48 years but Larry loved her faithfully, until the very end.

He attended Sullivan High School in Sullivan, IL and graduated in 1965. In his early days, he worked at Hezzy’s and Marathon in Sullivan. He also worked at PPG in Mt. Zion, Superior Welding, Union Iron Works and Kopetz Manufacturing in Decatur as a Machinist.  He retired from Kopetz Mfg. in February of 2002. He was a member of the Boilermakers. In his free time, he was a volunteer fireman for the Bethany Fire Department in Bethany, IL. for many years.

Surviving him are his son, John (Karen) Barker of Morristown, In., son, Tim (Pam) Barker of Marion, Ky., daughter, Tammy (David) McBride of Decatur, IL., sister, Janet Zike of Mattoon, IL., sister, Wanda (Mick) Ramert of Neoga, IL., brother, Jesse (Nancy) Barker of Sullivan, IL., brother, Derry (Diane) Barker of Mattoon, IL. 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother, Cecil Barker, sister, Catherine Marshall, brother-in-law, Kenneth Zike, sister-in-law, Mary Barker and nephew, Roy Barker.

Visitation and Funeral will be June 17, 2023. Visitation at 11:00 am with funeral to follow at 12:00 pm. at the First United Methodist Church 312 N. Washington St. Bethany, IL.

Private family burial at Marrowbone Township Cemetery Bethany, IL at a later date.