C.S. "Bud" Barker

Cletus S.  “Bud” Barker, age 97, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and formerly of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at on Thursday, May 9th, surrounded by his family, at Halifax Health Hospice Center in Edgewater, Florida.

He was born December 27, 1921 in Hersman, Illinois the son of James Virgil and Lola Mae Chamberlain Barker.  He married Mary E. Burkhead on May 5, 1945 in Buffalo, New York and she preceded him in death on May 25, 2004.

Bud attended Hersman Schools and graduated from Mt. Sterling High School with the class of 1939.  He then spent two years with Gleaner Combine Co. in Independence, Missouri, and was the youngest machinist in the prototype fabrication department.

In 1942, Mr. Barker, along with his brother Richard, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where they both served in the Marine Air Corps in the Pacific, attaining the rank of Staff Sgt.

After WWII, Mr. Barker was a partner in the Barker Bros. and later Barker Equipment Company for many years. He and his wife, Mary, also owned and operated Barker Nursing Home in Mt. Sterling. 

Bud was a devoted member of the First Christian Church of Mt. Sterling for over 50 years.  He was a life member of the Hardin Lodge # 44 A.F. & A.M. where he served as secretary for over 50 years, and had also served as master.  He was a member of Quincy Consistory and also a member of the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374.  Bud was a Mt. Sterling alderman and served as Scout Master for Troop 11 for several years.

Survivors include 2 children Michele Fitch of Edgewater, Florida and J. Michael Barker of Sherman, Illinois.  5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren also survive along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, James W. Barker and Richard E. Barker, and 2 sisters, Wilma Maxine Shenaut and Barbara Louise Kunkel.

Per his request, cremation rites will be accorded and memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, June 1, 2019 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling.  Burial will follow at the Hersman Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Detail. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church of Mt. Sterling or Halifax Health Hospice Center, 4140 S. Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.

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