Norman K. Barker, 87, of Midland passed away December 2, 2016 peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family. Services will be held on Monday, December 5, 2016, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas.Norm was born in Morris, IL to parents Ernest C. and Thelma Windsor Barker. He grew up in Morris and graduated from Mazon High School. He graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. While at Monmouth College, Norm met and married the love of his life Dorothy J. Froehlich. They were married in Highland Park, IL and this month will have been married for 64 years. Norm then received his Masters of Science degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Iowa where he was also a member of the Gamma Alpha Scientific Fraternity. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, spending two years in South Korea and Japan in Engineering Intelligence.Norm began his career as a Petroleum Geologist in Roswell, NM in 1955, with Ohio Oil Company, now Marathon Oil Company. While in Roswell he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher in the First Presbyterian Church and was active in the Roswell Geological Society, New Mexico Geological Society, and the Boy Scouts of America. In 1968, Norm moved his family to Albuquerque, NM where be was employed by Pubco Petroleum Company. In 1971, he became a consulting geologist in oil, gas, and uranium with offices in Albuquerque and Roswell. In 1977, Norm and his family moved to Midland, TX where he opened a new exploration office for Harper Oil Company. In 1980, he left Harper Oil Company and opened a new office for Chapman Exploration. In 1984, he left Chapman and became an independent geologist and oil producer. He was a deacon, elder, and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Midland. He was a member of the Exchange Club, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, West Texas Geological Society, Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Midland Wildcatters Committee, The Petroleum Club of Midland, and Green Tree Country Club and Golf Association.Norm enjoyed each summer vacationing in Pagosa Springs, CO with family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were teaching his grandchildren to fly fish in the San Juan River. He especially liked playing golf with his Wednesday golf group. Norm and Dottie enjoyed many years traveling extensively with family and friends.Norm is survived by his wife, Dottie, son Gary and wife Linda, and daughter Susan South and husband Jan. He is also survived by grandchildren Jason and Laura South, and their children Margo, Robert, and Hallie; Brandon and Megan South, and their children Jude and Clara; Tanner and Alexa Wolf, and their son Paxton; Kendall Barker and her son Thomas; and Ethan, Carly and Isabella Barker, all of Midland, Texas. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Hinton of Joliet, IL and several nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dr. Gregory Bartha's Uganda Mission Fund through First Presbyterian Church of Midland, to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, or to the charity of your choice.,
