After a long battle, Dad has finally changed his permanent address. He resides on the streets of pure gold. He met his savior face to face at 12:05 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2016. Although we grieve that he is no longer with us, he is no longer in pain.

Dad started this journey in Gannett, Idaho, on July 28, 1928. He was the first of 12 children, born to Ernest Hyrum Barker and Eunice Mae (Brewer) Barker. He graduated high school in Ontario, Ore., where he excelled in track and baseball. During this time, he met the love of his life, Lois Elaine (Betts) Barker. They eloped to Winnemucca, Nev., on Sept. 11, 1948, and began their long life of 68 years, together.

Gerald started as a farmer and quickly decided that farming was not the career that would adequately support his growing family. In the late '80s, they purchased Barker truck stop and auto repair, later assuming the operation of J and L Truck Stop. Gerald and Lois were hands on owners/operators and taught their children and grandchildren the true meaning of work ethics. During these years, many people came to love Dad as their own "Mr. B". When he finally retired in 2006, he decided to return to his original career as a custom farmer. While taking care of his cattle, he suffered a massive head injury, which severely limited his physical capabilities.

Dad's interests in life included farming, flying his own airplanes, hunting, fishing, camping, and woodworking, socializing with his center table friends at the truck stop, but most of all, he loved getting together with his family.

Remaining family are his wife, Lois Barker; his children, Glenn Barker (Nancy) of Silverton, Larry Barker (Vicki) of Eugene, Karen Schjoll (Richard) of Madras, Darrell Barker (Susannah) of Ashland, Christine Comstock (Randall) of Madras, Dianne Allen (Wilce) of Milwaukie, Wayne Barker (Darcy) of Redmond; 21 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.