Arley Barker, Jr.

Arley Dee Barker, Jr., 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

He was born March 27, 1933 to Arley D. Barker Sr. and Artie May (Brayton) Barker. He graduated from PBHS in1952 and proudly served his country from 1953-1955.

In December 1955, he married Lois Kelly in Joliet, Illinois. They were married for 67 years.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia, the first in his family to obtain a four year degree.

He taught Vocational Agriculture in Iowa before moving to Lohrville, Iowa, where he managed the Cyanamid Fertilizer plant. He then worked at the Lohrville bank and finally became a farmer. He loved the land and farmed until October 2022.

He was very active in the Nakota Lodge #597 in Lohrville, Iowa. He received his 50-year pin and was a 32nd degree Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, one brother William Barker; and four sisters: Evelyn Burgin, Mary Ellen Tibbs, Dorothy Patterson, and Norma Jean Chatman. He is survived by three brothers: Kenneth Barker, Eugene Barker, and Art Barker; and one sister: Sue Gilbert; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m., funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. both at Fowler & Sons Funeral Home in Neelyville. Internment will follow in Black Creek Cemetery in Poplar Bluff, with his nephew, Greg Tibbs officiating.