Orangeville - Donald L. Barker Sr., 87, passed away Friday, June 15, 2012 at his home. He was born on May 8, 1925 in rural Buckeye Township to Lowell and Elizabeth (Clark) Barker. He graduated from Salem School #38 in 1939, and began a lifelong career in farming, first working for his uncle, Merrill, and then for his father. He married his life-mate Marjorie E. Kilian on November 23, 1946 in Winslow. They were married over 65 years. The Barkers farmed in the Orangeville area and Donald worked in the auction business for over 35 years, including work with Farm Loan and Barker Auctions.
Barker always valued education and life-long learning, completing his GED and real estate licensing in 1974. He served on the Orangeville School Board for 6 years and was an Orangeville Broncos football fan, often attending games and listening to them on the radio.
He enjoyed sports and was an avid Little League coach for 9 years, coaching the Orangeville Traveling Team to many victories in the 1970's. He was a life-long (but frustrated) Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan.
Donald was a member of the Orangeville Masonic Lodge for over 62 years, a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church, and the Farm Bureau.
Don started the Orangeville Firemen's Annual Auction, raising thousands of dollars over the years.
Donald is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children: Larilyn (Greg) Carpenter of Waukesha, WI, Donald Jr. (Bonnie) Barker of Monroe, WI, Creighton (Judy Ickes) Barker of Orangeville, IL; Grandchildren: Heath (Tricia) Barker, Kristin Carpenter Jacobsen, Hayley (Matt) Jordan, Philip (Claire) Barker, and Ross Barker; Step Grandchildren Josh (Carrie) Ickes, Rebekah (Jerry) Ickes Brooks, Erin (Tim) Brower; 5 great-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by special sisters-in-law Dorthy Barker and his Euchre partner Patricia (Kilian) Miller, as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert, sisters Bonita (Maynard) Shilling, Marietta (Howard) Sheppard, and Linda (Clinton) Bennett.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Orangeville United Methodist Church Orangeville, IL.
Pastor Cheoneui Oh will officiate at the service.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 18, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.. at Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home with a Masonic Service at 8:00 p.m..
Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Winslow, IL.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.
Barker always valued education and life-long learning, completing his GED and real estate licensing in 1974. He served on the Orangeville School Board for 6 years and was an Orangeville Broncos football fan, often attending games and listening to them on the radio.
He enjoyed sports and was an avid Little League coach for 9 years, coaching the Orangeville Traveling Team to many victories in the 1970's. He was a life-long (but frustrated) Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan.
Donald was a member of the Orangeville Masonic Lodge for over 62 years, a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church, and the Farm Bureau.
Don started the Orangeville Firemen's Annual Auction, raising thousands of dollars over the years.
Donald is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children: Larilyn (Greg) Carpenter of Waukesha, WI, Donald Jr. (Bonnie) Barker of Monroe, WI, Creighton (Judy Ickes) Barker of Orangeville, IL; Grandchildren: Heath (Tricia) Barker, Kristin Carpenter Jacobsen, Hayley (Matt) Jordan, Philip (Claire) Barker, and Ross Barker; Step Grandchildren Josh (Carrie) Ickes, Rebekah (Jerry) Ickes Brooks, Erin (Tim) Brower; 5 great-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by special sisters-in-law Dorthy Barker and his Euchre partner Patricia (Kilian) Miller, as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert, sisters Bonita (Maynard) Shilling, Marietta (Howard) Sheppard, and Linda (Clinton) Bennett.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Orangeville United Methodist Church Orangeville, IL.
Pastor Cheoneui Oh will officiate at the service.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 18, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.. at Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home with a Masonic Service at 8:00 p.m..
Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Winslow, IL.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.