Wesley Arnold Barker

Wesley Arnold Barker was born in Nisland, South Dakota on April 3rd, 1940 to John and Linda Barker. He was one of eight children. Growing up, he and his siblings worked on their humble farm while attending school and playing basketball. After graduation, he worked for the airlines during which time he transferred to Palm Springs, CA.

While living in southern California, Wes was set up on a blind date that eventually lead to a matrimony to Janet Lee on September 28, 1965. Soon after their nuptials, in 1966, Wes joined the army and was stationed in Okinawa. In Okinawa, he was a coach for a youth baseball team. After a year in Okinawa, he came home and was in the reserves for four years. He went back to work for the airlines and also worked as a manager for an apartment complex in southern California.

In 1971, he went to college at Cal Poly and graduated with an accounting degree. After his bachelor’s degree he did more schooling and received his MBA at Golden Gate University and landed a job working for the state of California as an accountant. Wes moved his family to the Sacramento area and purchased a home in Carmichael where he and Jan raised their two children, Craig and Heidi.  He coached youth basketball and was a swim team parent for many years. They lived in their Carmichael home for forty -one years and moved a few of years ago into Gold River. For the last decade of his state career, Wes worked as a commander for the motor transport division of the California Highway Patrol. Wes enjoyed being a commander and retired from that position in the year 2000.

In retirement, Wes now had time to do what he really loved and that was missionary work and carpentry. His great friend, Don McFarland, and him went to Sweden on a mission trip.  In Sweden, Wes made many friends with the Swedes who changed his life for the better. He also went to Cameroon  and Ethiopia for mission’s work. During retirement, Wes also served in the Red Cross and would be sent nationwide to help with the recovery of various communities that had suffered from catastrophic disasters.  Besides traveling for volunteer work, Wes also traveled for leisure extensively with Jan.  They were able to visit several countries in Europe along with Israel.  When he wasn’t traveling, he would be in his wood shop building.  He also loved spending time hiking with the “Geezers” hiking group from his church.  Wes loved playing with and teaching his grand-daughters Lauren and Emma. He was a supportive grandfather and went to their soccer games, swim meet’s and track and field meets.

Wes passed away on February 7, 2020, surrounded by his family.  He is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Heidi, son-in-law Fred and granddaughters Lauren and Emma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wes’ name to Bible Study Fellowship (www.bsfinternational.org).  Wes served in and attended this excellent ministry for many years.  Friends and family are invited to attend his Memorial Service on March 13, 2020 at 10:30am at Sunrise Community Church (8321 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA).  PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (916-725-2109), directors.

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