Charles Lynn Barker

Charles Lynn Barker, 75, was born in Austin, Texas on June 25th, 1940 to Evelyn (Grip) Barker and Charlie Otis Barker. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family on October 27th, 2015.

Charles grew up in a much smaller Austin, Texas where he had fond memories of going to the “picture show” with his Grandpa Grip. He went to work at his family grocery store on 19th St at an early age and went on to attend Austin High. He met the love of his life, Betty King, whom he married in 1960. From the beginning, Charles dedicated his life to his family, often working two and three jobs to provide for them. After working for Ralph Smoot Plumbing and a stint in the US Army Reserves, he began his career with and retired from the “Highway Dept” (later TxDOT) while also operating his own plumbing business, Barker Plumbing. Charles later took great pleasure in helping his son-in-law with his company, Hill Refrigeration, Inc. Always civic minded, Charles was elected to serve on the Travis County Water District 10 Board of Directors in 1988, where he proudly served until his passing.

Charles made the most of providing his children the opportunities he missed as a child. He was a fixture of University Hills Optimist and West Austin Youth Association. He was affectionately known as Coach Barker to many young athletes on the soccer, football and baseball fields. He was also an ever present supporter of Elgin athletics and band as a doting Grandfather.

Charles was a proud Texan and American. His word was his bond, his handshake held more gravity than his signature and his integrity was unquestionable. Charles was from an era where the good guys wore white hats and rode tall in the saddle and though he was short in stature, few rode taller. Charles was the kind of man that all fathers hope their sons will become and their daughters will marry. Humility was his watchword and fidelity his mantra. Certainly in the eyes of his family, Charles was an American Icon. He was unassuming and would doubtlessly be embarrassed of this praise. He will be deeply missed and irreplaceable as our patriarch and moral compass.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Betty; his daughter Joy Hill and husband Rick of Elgin, Texas; his son Michael Barker and his wife Lisa (Hunt) Barker of Burnet, Texas; his Granddaughter Brandy (Hill) Schall and husband Jason of Denver, Colorado; his Grandson Travis Hill and wife Brittany (Limbo) Hill of Pflugerville, Texas; Granddaughters Hunter and Hailey Barker; Great-Granddaughters Katarina and Scarlett Schall and Great-Grandson Gavin Hill who eagerly awaits the arrival of his baby sister. Charles is also survived by his sister Karen Griffin and husband Ed of Corpus Christi, Texas; his sister Marci Nichols and husband Nick of Austin, Texas and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lastly, Charles was preceded by and left behind many beloved friends over the years of a life well lived.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11am Monday, November 2nd, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the COPD Foundation, www.copdfoundation.org