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Jerry Barker:  Final Day,
Obituary
& Remembrances

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Alison Barker: Jerry died on Easter Monday, peacefully in his sleep at 6:45 a.m. I woke to a brief breeze blowing across me and I felt a shell of a person had been left behind. (Sherrell and I gave him medication during the night.) I found his head warm so he must have just gone. We cried, prayed and had a cup of tea until the hospice nurse arrived. He was cremated. His funeral was glorious on Saturday, April 30 at Trinity Episcopal, Galveston. Lots of Redeemer folks came plus family. Jean and Katy, my two sisters came from the UK. We have been overwhelmed with loving kindness and generosity. Thanks to all and to our God.

Obituary

     Jerry D. Barker, 86, husband, father, grandfather, friend, attorney, veteran, writer, thinker, teacher and pilgrim died April 25, 2011, at home.  Born October 13, 1924, to Owen D. and Enid Barker, he grew up on the island graduating from Ball High School, attending Trinity Episcopal Church before serving in the U.S. army, in New Caledonia, South Pacific, in World War 2. After graduating from the University of  Texas Law School, he returned to Galveston joining other lawyers in his father’s law firm.

          Becoming aware of growing renewal in the broader church, Jerry and his wife, Esther, with their family moved to join the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Houston, where they served in an international network of churches and communities from 1965-1982. Jerry’s lay ministry took him to live in England, Scotland, and Australia where he supported, encouraged and connected individuals and groups. In 1982 he returned to Galveston to practice law until retirement in 1992. 

          Jerry’s gifts were primarily the gift of self and a deep commitment to serve others. His daily life was infused with grace with a firm faith in God’s redeeming mercy and kindness, especially for those in need. Steeped in Scripture, Jerry was a gifted teacher, mentor whose life reflected his beliefs. He will be remembered for his encouraging nature, his deep laugh and quick sense of humor, his commitment to his faith, his integrity, dignity and sense of justice. An avid reader, lover of historical homes, an enthusiastic traveler, a thoughtful mind with wide interests, a disciplined daily walker, a talented writer of reflections and life-stories,  he welcomed the people and places of his life. In his final days, he spoke with gratitude “for such a great life.”

          Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and brother, David. His legacy continues through his family- Alison, his beloved wife of 29 years, sister Vonceil Hickman, his five children, Owen and wife, Kathy, Conway and wife, Martha, Sherrell and husband, Edward, Brian and wife Mary, Scott and wife, Marie, ten  grandchildren, Leigha, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Matthew, Jason, Amber, Keith, Esther, Mark, and Sally and ten great-grandchildren, sisters in law, Jean Bawtree, Katy Briggs, brother in law, Keith Allan, and numerous friends worldwide.

         Funeral service at 11a.m. Saturday, April 30, Trinity Episcopal Church, Galveston. Burial at Memorial Park, Hitchcock.  Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, Galveston, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Houston or a charity of your choice. 


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