Myrvle Benjamin Barker, 95, of Nokomis, died with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Pana Hospital in Pana.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. A funeral service will follow at noon, with Pastor Randy West officiating. Interment will take place at Nokomis Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded. Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Mr. Barker was born on May 2, 1931, in Audubon Township, the son of Myrvle Alonzo Barker and Mary McCaslin Barker. On April 7, 1951, he married Thelma Marie (Hicks) Barker in Pocahontas, AR. Together,they shared 75 wonderful years of marriage filled with love and partnership.
He proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran during the Korean War. After his military service, he built a life centered on hard work and family, owning Barker Motors in Nokomis and working as a truck driver. He later spent more than 20 years as a state supervisor for Henkel and McCoy in the construction and telephone industries. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church and the VFW.
A man with a generous heart, he found joy in working on cars and trucks and raising cattle and hogs. His steady presence, kindness and willingness to lend a hand will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Thelma Barker; children, Myrvle Dennis (Rosemarie) Barker of Butler, Pamela Rose (Larry) Watson of Nokomis, Steven Michael (Elizabeth Michele) Barker of Vandalia and Curt Wayne (Angie) Barker of Camdenton, MO; 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist the family with expenses.
