Several memories come to mind when I think of Gene Barker. My youngest sister, Kris, was a friend of Gene's sister Sharon. Kris dated Gene for a while and (even though we all knew our mother had a genuine fear of motorcycles) she would often beg Mom to ride on the back of Gene's motorcycle. Kris was a freshman in high school and Gene was a senior when Mom finally gave in to Kris' wish. Unfortunately, they had not gone far when they were involved in a hit-and-run accident. A car hit them and Kris suffered injuries including a broken ankle which required surgery later. In addition, part of the motorcycle punctured Kris' leg and she lost a lot of blood at the scene. Gene picked her up and carried her to the fire station located on Missouri Street at the time. Later the doctors told my parents Kris probably would have died from loss of blood if Gene had not reacted so quickly to get help. Although he was not at fault, I think Gene always felt guilty about the accident and Kris' injuries. We were just thankful his adrenalin kicked in, and Gene was so caring and thoughtful during the healing process and many years to come.
After we reached the point in a relationship when we felt like we wouldn't scare someone away, our special friends were usually subjected to one of the Smith family favorite games – the blanket game or the broom game. Gene's frustration with the blanket game certainly made him one of our more entertaining “victims”.
Kris always had a way of remaining friends with her former boyfriends, and Gene stayed in touch with the entire family even after Kris and Gene went their separate ways. One evening after dark, Mom was running errands and had the feeling a vehicle was following her. She deliberately took unusual turns on side streets to lose them, but it didn't work. The vehicle continued to follow her until she finally gave up and pulled into our driveway. The vehicle parked in front of our house, and... you guessed it, Gene got out and said, “I didn't mean to scare you, I just wanted to say hello Mrs. Smith.”
Gene loved Country Western music and I can still hear him singing along to one of his favorites, “Your Cheating Heart” by Hank Williams. I'll always remember him as a gentle soul who would do anything to help a friend.
Thanks for the memories Gene. We hope you have found peace and have enjoyed the pleasure of initiating others into the Blanket Game Club.
"Moon" Barker was a very easy going person. He was quiet and shy until he really got to know you. If you were his friend, he was always there for you! I remember sharing lots of laughs and jokes with Moon and my cousin, Rick Elliott. Rest well dear friend!! You are greatly missed!
Keith Pence
Mary Reeves (Guerber)
"Moon" Barker was a very easy going person. He was quiet and shy until he really got to know you. If you were his friend, he was always there for you! I remember sharing lots of laughs and jokes with Moon and my cousin, Rick Elliott. Rest well dear friend!! You are greatly missed!