Keith Cannon Barker

Keith Cannon Barker passed away Monday, May 21, 2007 in the comfort of his home, that he built, with his wife by his side. He was born on August 31, 1921 to Archa Cannon Barker and Jesse Benson Barker. Of their five children, he is the first to go, leaving his two brothers and his two sisters behind. He was a loving husband, a father of seven, grandfather of twenty-two and great grandfather of six. Keith served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in England. He married Elizabeth Lamb in 1948, they were later divorced. He married his eternal companion, Totsie Gynell Simmons on December 3, 1955. He worked as a fireman at Thiokol for many years while also running the family farm, which was his true passion. After a serious accident that cost him the use of his right arm, he retired as a fireman, but continued to work the land that he loved. He raised his children and taught them the principle of hard work and service to others. After his children had grown, he and his wife served a mission in Philadelphia, PA from 1991-92. He was an incredible example to those around him and touched many lives over his life time. He will be deeply missed, but we find comfort in knowing that he is busy preparing for the time when we finally join him. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Totsie Barker and their seven children: Douglas Mary Barker, Paul Kathy Barker, Casey Sherry Barker, Roger Paula Barker, Sheila Craig Goodsell, Shane Sandra Barker and Margo David Milligan; his brothers: Jesse T. Barker, California; and Quentin C. Barker, River Heights; his sisters: Beatrice B. Nyman, North Logan and Zilpha B. Bird, Pocatello, ID. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2007 at the Newton 1st Ward Chapel, 90 South 100 West, Newton. Friends and family may call Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main and Friday morning at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Newton Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .