Allen Newton Barker
1/15/1930 – 3/15/2021
Sergeant First Class, Allen Newton Barker, US Army Retired, 91, of Rattlesnake Ridge, Grayson, Kentucky went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, March 15, at Gallatin Nursing Home.
Mr. Barker was born on January 15, 1930, in Burke, Ky, the son of the late Blanche Faye Ison Barker and David Nelson Barker.
He was also preceded in death by his former wife, Marjorie Patricia Macintosh; five children; John Russell Barker, Ruth Pamela Barker, Rachel Paula Barker, Stephen Frederick Barker, and James Patrick Alverson; five siblings, Ralph Eugene Barker, Granville Math Barker, Mattie Lucille McSorley, Marcle Glen Barker, Richard Henderson Barker.
He is survived by ten sons, Jai David Sung, Mark Alexander Barker, Chun K. Chong (Jonathan), Richard Paul Barker, Dale Allen Barker, Jade Matthew Barker, Leonard Jackson Barker, Robert Jackson Barker, James Pauley Barker, and Charles Thomas Alverson; three daughters, Catherine Lark Alverson, Nora Alverson, and Faith Abigail Alverson; and three siblings, Denzil David Barker, Dorothy Wanda Ison, and Marcella Mae Manning.
Allen was a compassionate Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and brother who loved birds and helping people.
As a career U.S. Army service member, he earned Occupation Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Campaign Stars, Overseas Bar, Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), and Purple Heart.
During his tour of duty in the Korean War, he witnessed the devastating effect of the conflict and devoted his life to helping children. As evidence by his large family, he was truly blessed to have angels in his life; Dr. Francis W Schofield (Korean Patriot), Representative – Carl Dewey Perkins (introduced a Bill in Congress for Korean adoption), and many others. He was humbled by the path given him by the Lord and was deeply grateful for his spiritual gift of Compassion.
In his later years, Marcella Mae Manning, sister, at Rattlesnake Ridge, took loving care of him before he was admitted to the nursing home. Shana Dorane Barker, a daughter-in-law, took loving care of him at Gallatin Nursing Home during his time there. He was loved by all he met and touched the lives of all he met.
Funeral services and live webcast will be Friday, March 19, 2021, at the Sparks Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m., Eddie Wiler, minister. Burial will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast with military honors provided by the Kenova American Legion Post #93.
Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson Kentucky.
Pallbearers will be: Rick Jones, LeAlan Miller, Kade Barker, Casey Jones, Corey Jones, (Alternate – Justin Barker), and Patrick Perkins.
COVID precautions and restrictions will be observed.
Online condolences at www.sparksfh.com