Patricia Barker

Patricia Lou Barker died on February 6, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. Patricia was born on January 11, 1939 in Kinsley, Kansas to Rolland and Leola Eakins. She was the middle child to older sister, Judith Moore, and younger brother, Rolland Eakins (d. 2016). She is survived by her husband, Wheeler "Jack" Barker, her three children: Jane Sims, Timothy Barker (Cheryl), and Andrew Barker (Catherine), her grandchildren: Danielle Krupke (Kenneth), Laura Barker, Michael Barker, Samuel Barker, Julia Barker, and Alexander Barker, and her great grandchildren: Brayden Sims, Landyn Walker, and Lillyana Krupke.

Pat started life as a self-described neighborhood bully in Wellington, Kansas, playing softball and basketball throughout high school. Although she received a basketball scholarship to attend Emporia State University, after graduating from high school, she decided to start her career at the U.S. Post Office. It was at the Post Office that she met the love of her life, Jack Barker, and was married to him for 63 years. She had a lifelong passion for genealogy and spent years researching the family tree with many vacations (or side trips during vacations) to track down various long lost relatives' tombstones. She would appreciate all of the details of this obituary for later generations to find. Pat adored Jimmy Buffet and all things tropical and created her own version of Shangri-La in the backyard always showing off a new string of lights or water fountain, with each year more glorious than the last. More than anything, Pat loved spending time with her family. Whether it was hosting the annual 4th of July party or playing games at Christmas, Pat loved to talk deep into the night to anyone who wanted to call or stop by, always making sure to end the call or visit with, "I love you." A Celebration of Life service to be held later this year.