LOUIE THOMAS BARKER

Louie Thomas Barker, 73, passed away, May 13, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Louie was born July 2, 1946, in Livingston, to Harlan Cleveland and Lounell Hill Barker.

On Nov. 5, 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until Aug. 11, 1967. In 1968, he moved to the Mexia area. Louie was a plant manager for TXI for 20 years and then completed 10 years of service with Vulcan Materials, prior to retiring.

Louie married Gwendolyn “Gwen” Wright on Jan. 30, 1988, in Groesbeck. His life was filled with love for not only his family, but numerous people in general. Anyone who ever met Louie, never forgot him; he never met a stranger, greeted everyone with a big smile, and in some cases, a hug. His love of music kept him singing or humming; he always appeared to be happy.

Louie began coaching Little League baseball as soon as his sons became old enough to play, which carried through high school. Fortunately, most of the boys that started together remained together through all these years, and they never forgot the love and leadership shown by their coach. Louie also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with friends, hunting arrowheads and golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Lounell Barker; son Lee Thomas Barker; brother Wesley Barker; brother-in-law Alfred Mullins; niece Jill Mullins; and nephew Jacob Barker.

Louie is survived by his loving wife, Gwen Barker, of Mexia; sons Johnny Ray Barker and wife Sandra, of Burtram, and Leven Barker and wife Devin, of Tatum; daughter Terrie Dailey and husband Jimmy, of Austin; stepdaughter Tambra Lozano and husband Alfonso; stepson David Kennedy, of Mexia; sister Mary Mullins, of Humble; brothers Danny Barker and wife Shirley, of Willspoint, Jerry Barker and wife Casandra, of Willspoint, Rex Barker and wife Mary, of Rockwall, and Mike Barker and wife Rhonda, of Talihina, Okla.; 13 grandkids; and four great-grandkids; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was to be held at 1: p.m., Friday, May 15, in the Mexia Cemetery, with Pastor Wayne Grabs officiating. Grandsons Joshua Barker, Jacob Barker, Ryan Lozano, Logan Lozano, Trever Barker, Jesse Barker and Braden Kennedy will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ennis Holmes, Cyler Davidson, Jerry Sullivan, Mark Hancock, Harvey Fredriksson, Bill Hinchliffe, Jimmy Dailey, Alfonso Lozano and Craig Mathis.

Visitation with the family will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.