Harold Barker Jr.

Harold Samuel Barker, Jr., passed away on June 27, 2017 in Kerrville, TX at the age of 83. He was born in New Orleans, LA in 1934, to the late Harold and Marcelle Barker of New Orleans. He graduated from Jesuit High School and Loyola University in New Orleans and received a Master's degree from Webster College in St. Louis. Following graduation from college, he received a regular commission in the U. S. Army. He successfully completed airborne and ranger training at Ft. Benning, GA. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and then later with the 82nd. He served in the U. S. Army for 21 years, retiring as a LtCol. During his distinguished military career he received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Star medals for service in Viet Nam, and the Master Parachute badge, Combat Infantry badge, Viet Nam service medal, Expeditionary Forces medal for service in Lebanon, several Commendation and Meritorious Service medals, and other awards and decorations. He served with several airborne and ranger units during his career.\r\n \r\nFollowing military service, Sam had a successful second career in insurance sales. He moved to Kerrville in 1992.\r\n \r\nLtCol. Barker was active in many civic affairs, especially Habitat for Humanity and as a volunteer at the VA Hospital and the Meals On Wheels program. He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church where he had served as usher, Eucharistic minister, and church council member. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and was one of the original founders of Our Lady Of The Hills Regional Catholic High School. Sam will be remembered for his good humor and willingness to help anyone in need.\r\n \r\nHe was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Caroline D. Barker of Kerrville whom he married in 1957 and a brother, Charles Barker of Houston, TX.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by two daughters, Shannon E. Barker of Hunt, TX, Kerry Taylor and her husband Scott Taylor of Hunt, TX; three grandchildren, Aliyah and Keira Barker and Joshua Trahan and his wife Mandy and great grandson, Grayson; a sister, Marcelle Wolfe of New Orleans, LA, a brother, Henry Barker of Lafayette, LA and numerous nieces and nephews.\r\n \r\nA memorial mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church. The memorial Mass will take place at 10 AM on Monday, July 10, 2017. A reception will follow at Notre Dame Social Center. At a later date, ashes will be interred at a private military service at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Of The Hills Catholic High School (235 Peterson Farm Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028) or Habitat For Humanity (P. O. Box 294566, Kerrville, TX 78029).\r\n