Gary Lee Barker, 83, of Holliday, Texas, was born on November 28, 1942, and peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 21, 2026.

Gary was born on November 28, 1942, in Vernon, Texas, to Thomas “Ike” Barker and Zelda “Bubbles” Barker. The oldest of five boys, Gary naturally took on the role of looking after his younger brothers. He was the rule follower of the bunch and someone his brothers could always count on as they remained best friends throughout their entire lives. He spent much of his childhood on farms in Wilbarger and Wichita Counties, where his love for the land, cattle and the outdoors began at an early age.

Gary attended Electra High School, where he was involved in many activities and made his mark both in athletics and among his classmates. During his senior year, he was class president, named FFA sweetheart, served as captain of the basketball team and was voted Mr. Electra High School. After high school, Gary continued his love of sports by playing baseball at Ranger College. He later attended Midwestern State University, where he earned his degree in Business.

Following graduation, Gary pursued a career in the oil and gas industry. He and his business partner established Makenna Sales, where Gary built not only a successful career but also many lifelong friendships. At the heart of Gary’s life was his family. He shared 47 years of marriage with the love of his life, Sharon Barker. They were married in Wichita Falls, Texas, and together built a life filled with love, faith, family, friendship and adventure.

Gary and Sharon loved traveling together and treasured time spent with their family and friends. Gary was truly a people person. He had a natural ability to make friends wherever he went and had a way of making those around him feel welcome. His kindness, gentle nature and genuine interest in others were qualities that stayed with him throughout his life. He never lost his love for the outdoors and enjoyed farming, hunting and working cattle. He was also an avid baseball fan.

Gary had a strong and steadfast faith in God. He and Sharon are members of Tenth and Broad Church of Christ, where their church family holds a special place in their lives. His faith was an important part of who he was and could be seen in the way he loved and cared for his family and friends.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Barker; his daughters, Cheryl Reed of Wichita Falls, Texas; Angie Walker and husband, Jay of Flower Mound, Texas; and Lindsay Lewis and husband, Will of Holliday, Texas; as well as nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.He is also survived by his brothers, Don Barker and wife Sue and Dale Barker and wife Karen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Tommy Barker and Wendell Barker.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be John Hensley, Rick Byers, Jim Jordan, Tom Knight, Tommy Morgan, John Holland, Gilbert Koetter and Jerry Vaughn.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls in Gary’s memory.