Bill Ray Barker

Bill Ray Barker

1932 – 2018

 Billy Ray Barker, 86, of Kaysville, Utah passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 following a valiant struggle with poor health. He was born January 8, 1932 in Boulder City, Nevada, the third child and second son to Bazil Orrin Barker and Hazel Ida Henrie. His early years were spent primarily in Boulder City, Nevada, Fairview and Logan, Utah. He graduated from Logan High School in 1950.  He was called to serve a mission in 1951 to the Northern States Mission but because of the Korean War he was prevented from serving.  He then joined the Utah Air National Guard to serve his country.

 Following his service in Olathe, Kansas he returned home to marry his sweetheart, Diane Johnson, on June 19, 1953 in the Logan Temple. Bill joined the family business in Logan where he worked for many years. In 1969, he relocated his wife and five children to Kaysville after completing his Bachelor’s Degree at Utah State University. He valued education and spent the next 25 years teaching as an automotive teacher at Clearfield High School.

 Bill’s dream of serving a mission finally came true when he and his wife, Diane, served a CES mission to Silver City, New Mexico. This was a highlight of his life.  They also served in the Bountiful Temple before and after their mission.   He loved using his mechanical skills to serve those in need. Bill was known as “a wrench in the Saviors hands”. He served faithfully in many capacities and especially loved his calling as ward organist.

 He had a zest for life and adventure. One of his greatest pleasures in life was flying single engine airplanes. He loved music and played a variety of instruments such as the piano, organ, accordion, harmonica, and banjo. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his yard and pruning his beautiful rose bushes. He was full of wisdom, wittiness and family sayings that always brought a smile to the listener. He was a sweet, kind, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

 Bill is survived by his wife, Diane, five children, Gary (Jean), Steven, Brian (Debbie), Julie Wall (Brian), Jana Maw (Dean).  24 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother LaVere (Lunella) Barker. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Eleen Rigby, and Bettie Hyer.

 Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 22, 2018 at 11 a.m.  at the Kaysville Crestwood building, 1059 Crestwood Road, Kaysville.  Friends and family may visit on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main, Kaysville.  Prior to the funeral services friends and family may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kaysville Crestwood building. 

 A special thanks to all that lovingly cared for Bill.