William Robert Barker

William “Bill” Robert Barker passed from this life at the age of 95 on October 22, 2025 in Midland, TX surrounded by his loving family.  Bill, known as Billy Bob to family and friends from his youth, was born in Gladewater, TX on April 22, 1930 to the late Mildred Bell Wood Barker and John Edward Barker.

Bill attended The University of Texas at Austin before joining the Navy during the Korean war where he served as an Aviation Electronics Technician and Anti-Submarine Warfare Aerial Crewman Instructor. As an elite golfer, Bill was often called on to represent the Navy in golf tournaments which he reminisced about fondly.  After his discharge, Bill briefly considered playing on the pro circuit but ultimately decided to return to school and take on a full class load while working a full-time job.  Bill graduated from Texas Christian University in 1960 with a degree in physics and math which lead to his career in engineering.

Bill met and fell in love with Dorothy Mae Gatlin while they both worked in the nuclear lab at Convair.  They were married on April 30, 1960 and moved to San Jose, CA where Bill was with Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. In 1963, he transferred to Lockheed Aircraft Service Company where he worked on contracts with NASA during the height of the space program. Later in his career, Bill was fortunate enough to travel the world with Lockheed International, A.G. and Lockheed Arabia.  Throughout his tenure, he visited 7 countries and 14 states. Bill and Dorothy’s little family lived in Nevada, California and Saudi Arabia before returning to Texas. He thoroughly loved sharing stories about the interesting people, exciting adventures and several near-death experiences throughout his life.  After retiring, Bill picked up club fitting and enjoyed making sure friends & family had a new set of golf clubs and a few pointers on their swing. Later in life, Bill moved to Midland to be closer to his family and childhood friends where he spent his days with family sharing stories and giving life advice that will always be cherished.

With all of Bill’s accomplishments and adventures, he will be remembered by friends and family for his kind, generous, demeanor and sweet soul. He had a lighthearted sense of humor – he was level headed, yet charismatic and was the life of the party.  Everyone who came into contact with him left feeling better about themselves. Bill instilled love and confidence in everyone around him and put others’ needs before his own. He was a gracious, selfless man who will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Cheri Lynn Jones and husband Scott, grandchildren, Lawrence Courtney Barker and wife Angie, Nicholas Martin Barker and wife Sarah, Ashley Christine Powers, Kelly Lynn Loyd and husband Blake, Kristen Rosalee Jones, and great grandchildren, Zachary Ryan Barker, Lillie Powers, Sadie Anabelle Barker, and Emma Frances Barker.  He is also survived by many loving nephews, and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Mae Barker and sons Larry Clyde Barker and William Michael Barker.

Bill was thoughtfully cared for and loved by the staff at Manor Park’s Younger Center and Cowden Cottage for which his family is eternally grateful. The family acknowledges and extends a special thank you to the 7^th floor professionals at Midland Memorial Hospital who tended to Bill and his family with kindness and respect in his final week. Memorials may be directed to Manor Park, Inc, 2208 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX  79707. Website: manorparkinc.org.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM in The Parks-Faudree Family Chapel at Manor Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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