Eugene Wesley Barker

Eugene Wesley Barker, Sr., 93, passed peacefully to his eternal home on Thursday, December 1, 2022, surrounded and comforted by his children.

Born at home in Axton, VA on November 11, 1929, the oldest of nine children to the late John Wesley Barker and the late Nora Wilson Barker, he was reared on a sharecropper farm in Axton, VA and later in Chatham, VA, but spent most of his life in Danville, VA. His siblings are Gaynell Perdue, Rita Williams, Faye Glass, Thomas Barker, Gary Barker, Sammy Barker, the late John "Jackie" Barker and the late Betty Maddox.

A veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force, Mr. Barker began his service in 1947. He was stationed in England under the command of General Roscoe C. Wilson and had the pleasure of joining his general - upon personal invitation - on a flight back home to Virginia for one of his final leaves of absence. In 1953, while still serving in England, he witnessed the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II and had the privilege of joining his fellow servicemen - including his close life-time friend Neil Carey of Maryland - at the gala at Royal Albert Hall.

He returned home and married his life's love, the late Elizabeth Ann Jones Barker, in 1955, to whom he was married for 46 years until her death in 2001. Together, they had five children: Jerry Jones {Linda), the late Douglas "Ray" Jones, Patricia Fitts {Ben), Beverly Shelton {Jay) and Eugene "Pete" Barker, Jr.

Mr. Barker began working in the engine rooms of offshore tankers for ExxonMobil when they were still known as the Humble Oil and Refining Company, later Esso. Throughout the course of his career, he had the privilege of traveling all across the world, retiring in 1984 to more humble travels at nearby mountain campgrounds and the Florida coastline, accompanied by his dear wife.

A survivor of throat cancer, since 1979. Mr. Barker was the longest living active member of the I Can Cope Group of the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association. Eugene was also a Noble Shriner since 1981.

He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Alane Strader Stroud.

He is survived by grandchildren Anthony Saunders, Amy Jones, Jeremy Jones, Amanda Van Parys, Samantha Allen and Patrick Shelton, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church, where Mr. Barker was an active member for over 40 years, located at 516 Edgewood Dr. Danville, VA, with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Schoolfield Cemetery.The family will be at the residence of Jerry and Linda Jones located 582 Tuckaway Lake Rd Danville VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Calvary Baptist Church or the Danville- Pittsylvania Cancer Association.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff of Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Healthcare as well as SOVAH Health (especially Dr. Gunn) and the many loving friends and family members who have cared for and supported him during this short illness.

Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Barker family. 

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