Russell Barker

Russell LaVon Barker

Russell LaVon Barker, our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather returned to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday March 10, 2015, at the age of 81.  He was born in Springville, Utah to John Thomas and Hannah Barker.   He was the youngest of 9 children.  He met the love of his life, Sonja Ann Thurston and was married on March 26, 1955 and later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple.

Russell served in many leadership positions in the LDS church including being a Bishop of the Syracuse 1st Ward and the Wiesbaden, Germany Servicemen's Ward and serving with his wife as full time missionaries in the New Zealand, Northland mission.

His hobbies included making bread and sharing his signature brownies with his family and friends.  He also enjoyed assisting others in building and remodeling their homes, golfing and playing church softball.  He was an avid traveler and resided in Tainan, Taiwan and Wiesbaden, Germany in connection with his career.

In the community, he participated as a volunteer in organizations such as; the Syracuse Museum, Syracuse Fire Department and as a Youth Sports Coach. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Russell touched the lives of his family by attending various activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   He spent his life in dedicated service to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife; children: Jerry (Laurie) of Bountiful, UT, Radley (Jan) of Clinton, UT, Darren (Ann) of Centerville, UT, Layne (Janine) of Syracuse, UT, Collin (Natalie) of Milford, UT, and Jamianne Hertel (Kelly) of Twin Falls, ID; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the  Syracuse Jupiter Hills Ward, 3267 W. 700 S. Syracuse, UT.  Friends may visit family on Friday, March 13, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.