Gene Barker

As the sun began to set on October 27^th, 2022, the gates of Heaven opened up as Gene Ellis Barker saddled up for his final ride.  There in Glory Land, Gene was reunited with many loved ones who went before him.

Gene’s life journey began on January 12^th, 1929, in Millersview, Texas.  He is preceded in death by his parents Alva Benjamin Barker and Aurora Molly Marie Bode Barker, his father and mother-in-law James Marvin Williams and Nanny Lou Stephens Williams, and his sister-in-law Linda “Little Linda” Karyl Williams, his best friend and brother-in-law Marvin Williams, his brother-in-law Jerry Steve Williams, his brother Wayne Eudell Barker, his sister-in-law Mary Barker, his brother-in-law John Shore, his half-brothers and sisters A.B. Barker, Alton Barker, Johnny Daniels, Lauraine Carson, and Pearl Beck.  He is survived by his Bride of 70 wonderful years Helen Rebecca “Becky” Williams Barker, his sister Adeline Shore, his three children Gene Ellis Barker Jr. “Buddy” (Kyle), Cynthia “Cindy” Lou Barker Morgan, and Jerry “Wayne” Barker (Debbie).  His generous and loving spirit lives on through his seven grandchildren, Kami Pope, Brandi Werner (Scott), Kassi Walker (Bobby), Drew Barker (Tori), Zachary Barker, Zane Barker, and Wesley Barker, and nine great-grandchildren, Cole, Bode, Levi, Kenton, Abel, Rhett, Olivia, Eden, and Maci.  All loved him almost as much as he loved them.

Gene and Becky’s life together began on June 22^nd, 1952, in Millersview, Texas. Having known each other their entire lives, their bond began years before.  It was a marriage and love that was everlasting.  There was never a day that Becky didn’t know Gene loved her.  Their home was filled with joy that could not go unnoticed by those around them. They soon moved to the big city of El Paso, Texas.  Over the years they lived in Brownwood, Abilene, Midland, San Antonio, Barnhart, Wichita Falls, eventually moving back to El Paso.  Gene was a hard-worker, always providing the best for his family, and eager to help others in any way he could.  He was a true example of his Savior, Jesus.

Gene was a Christ follower, a rancher, a basketball player, an Airforce veteran, a McMurry University graduate, a teacher, a businessman, a coach, an exceptional husband, a family man, and a poet. His 93 years on earth were full until the Good Lord called him Home.  We were blessed beyond measure to have him as long as we did, but still long for more of his time – for more of his songs, his wit, his humor, his poems, his strong hands, his gentle advice, his soul-reaching smiles, his love.

We take great comfort in knowing we will see him again one day.  We will never see a pair of boots, or a cowboy hat without looking around the corner for our Gene, our Daddy, our Pa.  Until we meet again over the Sunset Mountains.

“Over the Sunset Mountains”

By The Statler Brothers

Over the Sunset Mountains,

Someday I’ll Softly Go;

Into the Arms of Jesus,

He Who Has Loved Me So.

Over the Sunset Mountains,

Heaven Awaits for Me,

Over the Sunset Mountains,

Jesus My Savior I’ll See.

Toiling Will All Be Ended,

Shadows Will Flee Away;

Sorrow Will Be Forgotten,

Oh, What a Wonderful Day!

Over the Sunset Mountains,

Heaven Awaits For Me,

Over the Sunset Mountains,

Jesus My Savior I’ll See.

Jesus My Savior and Me

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, November 4^th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird Dr. El Paso, Texas 79912.  A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.  Those who cannot attend in person my join the services virtually on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/sunsetfuneralhome (no account is needed).  Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.79912