Barker, Richard D. 'Doc'

Richard D. “Doc” Barker, 85, of Marion, went home on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids. Inurnment, with military rites: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene; two sons, Di'Mar of Chicago and Clifford (Lisa) of Battle Creek, Mich.; and two daughters, Shelly (Roger) Wassmer of Marion and Susan Barker of Ravenna, Ohio. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Teisha, Joshua (Sarah) and Johnathon Barker of Battle Creek, Mich., Paige and Madison Wassmer of Marion and Quinn Barker of Ravenna, Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Olivia and Avalyn Barker of Michigan; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James, Charles and Clifford; and two sisters, Eleanor Nagal and Mildred Shellum.

Richard was born June 2, 1928, in Manchester, the son of James and Ella Gillis Barker. He married Rita Marlene Ash on May 17, 1953, in Edgewood. He was a printer at the Cedar Rapids Gazette and retired from there after 30 years of service. He later owned and operated Doctor Vinyl Services for 35 years.

Richard was a member of Knights of Pythians; a local music club where he enjoyed playing the keyboard and organ, and the American Legion and proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, where he received the Purple Heart.

Richard was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather whose memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

The family will be forever grateful to Milestones of Marion and St. Luke's Hospice. Memorial donations may be given to Milestones in Marion.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Barker family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Aug. 24, 2013 in The Gazette