Milton J. Barker

Memorial Services for Milton J. Barker will be held on Friday, November 26, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart, Jr. officiating. Private family inurnment will be held prior to services at Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Milton James Barker, 93 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. He was born on May 19, 1917 in Swanwick, Illinois, the eldest of two sons born to Roy and Amanda (Haack) Barker. He received his education from Wood River Public Schools, graduating from Wood River High School with the class of 1935. Following his education, Milt worked on the family farm near Wood River and then served his country during WW II in the United States Army from January 20, 1942 until his honorable discharge on November 13, 1945.

On December 31, 1946, he was united in marriage to Gladys "Irene" Hewitt at Grand Island, Nebraska by a Lutheran minister at the church parsonage. To this union two children were born: David and Susie.

The couple made their home in Holdrege, where Milt was employed as an Auto Mechanic for Kizzier-Anderson Chevrolet and then Robinson Motors, retiring at the age of 69.

He had a quick wit and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Milt also enjoyed gardening, fishing and traveling. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene of 63 years on September 3, 2010; his brother, Glenn Barker; four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Milt leaves to mourn his passing his two children: Susie Powers and David J. Barker, both of Holdrege; two grandchildren: Audrey Malagon and her husband, Mark of Peach Tree City, Georgia, Aaron Powers and his wife, Abbie of Loveland, Colorado; one great-granddaughter, Scarlett Lynne Malagon of Peach Tree City; a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Barker of Wood River, Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Book Signing will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A memorial has been established in his name and kindly suggested to First Presbyterian Church of Holdrege or the Phelps County Food Pantry.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.